The day is nearly over. Leaves of summer shake ruefully on their branches. Soon they will release a final shudder and Fall, defeated, to the ground. The wind sighs a chilly breath Heralding the onset of dusk. The cold gravestones sit steadfast in the earth... Expressionless, silent... Down the dry, grassy incline And across the pebbled way The dock heaves restlessly. The choppy lake reflects scattered images of the setting sun. Days have slipped by in a blur. Memories are all that remain... Some brief, defining moments Played over and over again In the mind’s eye. All paths have led to and from here. At last, the sun is at rest. The crescent moon feebly attempts to illuminate The overwhelming darkness. As I tentatively step onto the dock, My eyes close In an effort to suppress my fear and anxiety. I assure myself that everything will be “fine.” I sense that everything in my life Has happened for a reason... And that it has all been for the best. Suddenly, I realize the dock is resting calmly beneath me. A renewed warmth surrounds me. Hesitantly, I open my eyes And discover the world Bathed in the glow of a full moon. Frogs and crickets are singing in cheerful harmony With the joy of the new season. In the distance a lone fisherman paddles toward shore. I turn away from the lake To view from where I came Just as dozens of wild baby rabbits Scamper playfully across the pebbles and Into the dew towards home. Beyond them, up the grassy hill, The settled gravestones gleam peacefully. Everything vibrates in a unified bliss. A light breeze caresses my face As I am enveloped in Majestic perfection. I do not dare to close my eyes, Lest the spell be broken. I devour the wonder of it all... Feeling it intensely in every cell of my existence. My soul is aware... Always the first to know... It whispers I am not alone. I can feel you calling me - An ancient melody my soul knows so well. Closer, closer. You approach the end of the dock. I see your beautiful face And brilliant smile, Your eyes shining brightly in the moonlight. Such a powerful presence. My heart beats profoundly With love and serenity. Silently We face each other... Melding into oneness, our infinite expression... And the world is still. We know... We have always known. We see it, hear it, feel it - Across space and time. I want you to join me, But you can not. A resigned sadness darkens your eyes. Trembling, You reach out to me. Gentle music echoes inside... “There’s nothing quite as real as the touch of your sweet hand.” My eyes close. The wind picks up. The dock heaves triumphantly In the silent darkness And I fall into the choppy depths. |