The Palace Museum

Author: Shan Guoqiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: One day, while visiting a museum, I suddenly saw several small animal pottery figurines. Their crude shapes hinted at a touch of innocence. In an instant, reflected in the glass, several children were gathered around their father, carefully shaping their clay pets with their hands. The father then lit a fire at the spot, ready to turn these clay pets into pottery. The firelight cast their happy smiles on their faces. I suddenly understood why I always felt an inexplicable sense of emotion whenever visiting a museum. Through these small pets, they brought a sense of happiness into my heart. It was a warm and serene feeling that made me forget the loneliness of drifting from place to place, letting me know where my roots were, and making me believe that one day, I too would find the happiness in my dreams.
Someone once asked me, "Why do you always visit a museum first when you go to a new place?" I thought about it for a long time, and I think it has become a habit. When I arrive in an unfamiliar place, I always hope to understand the locals' eyes, so I go to the museum to see what kind of times their ancestors went through, to see if their "yesterday" was also a time of song and dance. The past lies quietly in the cabinets, silently telling me everything, allowing me to read their past joys and sorrows.
When I leave the museum, I no longer feel alone. I am no longer clueless. I have eyes like them, revealing mysterious messages to every newcomer. I think this is the charm of museums—they are always so open, giving me warmth and a solid sense of support.