What do you see?

[Roadkill]

Great info, it's difficult to describe a feeling instead of an object's physical characteristics. I see history like a slowly flowing ocean wave coming in with a one way tide over a wide mostly shallow beach. There are ridges, depressions, rocks, and even obstacles. But it will not, cannot, nor can be stopped. Our place in this panorama unceasingly flowing around us or sweeping us along is like the grains of sand. We react intensely to or are moved by the pressure of our immediate position, being vaguely aware of however still influenced by the flow of the water far away. Within this one way wave are cesspools, garbage, beautiful gardens, organisims which thrive in the environment, and those which must drown. There are the skeletons of those who have passed and the constant rebirth of new in unceasing action.
For me to claim ownership of a historical item is like a tiny snail on the beach claiming ownership of an unusualy colorful pebble. I will possess it for a while, care for it, treasure it, however must realize there are others who wish to take it away from me, some for their own pleasure, others to destroy it. This Luger had its place on the beach in the tide, a very turbulent disturbing time. But that time, as will mine, has passed. I have an interest in that object and that time therefore I wish to claim ownership of the object for a priviledged moment in the time I'm allowed to exist on the beach.

rk