Once in a Lifetime..

All that could be heard was the splashing,rhythmic thud against the small skiff.In the distance the occasional cries of sea gulls,almost musical, a seaman's lullaby.All else was surreal,serene.

 

John was dressed in his usual waterman's attire,white boots,white t shirt and his navy colored work pants. His black working gloves were missing.His strong veined hands were a subdued copper brown,his face almost expressionless.The weight of his sorrow engraved in his being, too deep to describe.His eyes on the water,searching intently,studying the expanse of his view,as he had done for so many years as Captain of his vessels.

His younger brother,Peter,was never noticed until he neared the boat---face down,arms and legs afloat,his t shirt curiously bulging slightly.His boots were missing.Peter was slight of built; only his soft curls could distinguish him from the rest of his brothers.

John steps towards the edge and grabs him effortlessly.Once on the boat,the added weight increases the thud,thud of of the swaying,rocking skiff.And the sea gulls now were giving the forlorn song of the sea.
John cradles his younger brother for a short while.He gently touches Peter's salt-laden hair. He knew what he had to do. He lifts him higher and higher to the skies.His face streaked in a man's tears.
 

John's body changes as did his clothes. There is a golden glow from all directions. The morning mist subsides as if whisked by a gentle wind. John is no longer himself,but an all powerful loving being,his hair to his shoulders,a robe ablaze in the rainbow's hues and a radiant face with soft loving tears falling from his mournful eyes.He lifts Peter to the heavens higher and higher; Peter is now a swaddled babe,with a broad smile of pure delight and his eyes are sparkling with new life. They were the same eyes with which he had greeted the world all his life.The baptismal purity of his innocence and joy is all that can be distinguished. Sweet mirth abounds.All is still. Captain John is back on his boat alone.Only the sounds of the water,the sea and the solemn winds remain. I woke up never to have this dream again.
 

I now walk the beaches of Virginia and I hear the sea gulls and their lullaby for my son Peter...

I wrote this in celebration of Peter's life and birthday,April 18,2011. Love is the miracle that brings peace to death. 

 

Adios,Zoila