She dances across the golden dune,
her bare legs, lightly kissed by the sun.
Her body, wrapped in translucent white silk.
She extends her hands to the skies,
fabric floating freely in the breeze,
appearing as if she has wings.
Her raven hair rides the wind,
and dark eyes pierce through.
A picture of beauty and grace,
upon hot desert sands.
A young lad or lass, hard to tell, frozen in time.
They watch over the garden by day and by night.
Their icy gaze chill all who approach,
Many move on, disrupted by the sight.
But to others, the figure appears serene,
especially when sitting in the light
Knees tucked up grasped by clasped hands,
The figure looks so right,
Hidden amongst the flowers.
Waiting on midnight’s showers.
Inspired by a statue found in the Temperate House at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Belfast, Northern Ireland
She walked with downcast eyes
Everywhere she went.
Her lips were not curved,
Neither a smile nor a frown.
She moved with attitude
Emanating from her soul.
But she had been marred by life
And her story was sad and beautiful
All at the same time.
However, she kept it inside,
Letting demons feast on her soul,
While struggling to find her light.
Unable and unwilling to ask for help.
Pushing away those who loved her so.
Will she learn before its too late?
Part Five
Suzy brushed off her boots on the front porch, knocking off the clumps of icy sleet and snow. White crisp snow blanketed the meadow and their drive. The skies were gray with winter.
She looked back down the drive, relieved the snows had waited until their holiday guests left. They were now snowed in. Suzy didn’t mind one bit.
She opened the storm door they had installed to replace the screen door, then slipped out of her boots and stood on the threshold. Slowly, she opened up the front door, trying not to wake the napper on the sofa.
He’d had a long night writing out all the thoughts which filled his mind the night before. There were days she would do the same, staying up late or waking up early with a mind swirling with imagery or thoughts, dreams and visions.
She softly closed the door and made her way to the kitchen. Quiet and kitchen didn’t usually go together, but she needed to warm herself up, so she made herself a cup of cocoa, then slid into one of the dining table chairs and opened her tablet.
Now it was her turn to write on this quiet afternoon on the first day of the new year. She looked out the window towards the frozen stream. A blue jay sat on their outdoor table. She loved watching birds, really any kind. She was amazed at how they could fly with so little effort.
She often found inspiration to write in small things, flowers, birds, nature. Today, however, she sought inspiration from the history of their home. She picked up a journal and opened it. The cover was inscribed with Sylvia Miller’s initials, and the year, 1918. She opened the journal and began to read:
Today is the first day of 1918. Last year was a rough year for us, but Hirsch keeps us strong. My hope is 1918 brings us much prosperity and joy.
It’s snowing this New Year’s day. I get lost in the beauty of freshly fallen snow. There is a peace which only comes this time of year.
Mary selected a suitor to marry. I do hope Jon is a good match for sweet Mary. Jon was so nervous when he asked Hirsch for her hand. Jon comes from a good family, a hard working one from down the way.
We worry though that Jon may need to serve in the great war. I hope it doesn’t happen for a while if he does; we’d love to hold the wedding in the meadow for Mary when the weather is warmer and the flowers in bloom. She will make a beautiful bride.
Suzy looked up from the journal and looked around their quiet home. The tree was still up from the holidays, twinkling lights making the living room seem magical. The snow outside started falling again and Suzy’s mind spun up a wintery tale. Her fingers went to work on the keyboard with such speed, it seemed her fingers were chasing the story her mind was spinning.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye. Steve woke up from his nap and looked toward the dining area. Suzy was almost in silhouette, the afternoon’s winter sun streaming through the westward facing window. He gazed at her for several minutes, amazed at how she could have such concentration. Her mouth twitched up as she worked through the plot of her story. It could be an unpleasant expression, but he loved when she was so engrossed. He knew being consumed by your imagination could be cathartic for the heart and mind.
Suzy finally came out of her mind with a blink and a shift in her seat. She felt like she was being watched and slowly turned her head. “Good afternoon, sleepy head,” she cooed.
Steve just looked at her, one of his come here stares. Suzy’s story had come to a stopping point and she looked forward to the break. She clicked save and set the tablet aside, then walked over and sat on the floor, next to the sofa, resting her arm along his chest and leaning her head against his heart.
“Did you have a good visit with all our family?” she asked, looking at him.
“Of course, but I really wasn’t ready for your mom. Wow.” Steve replied.
“Yep, I know. Thank you for being patient. I’m like her in some ways, but completely not like her in others. I think the girls had a good time though. Do you?” A little squinting around Suzy’s eyes popped up when she asked.
“Yes, I think their visit went really well. It’s nice how they have warmed up while they were here. See, I told you to relax and not worry.” Steve paused a moment, looking for words. Finally, he just asked, “What would you think if either of the girls asks to have their wedding here?”
Suzy’s eyes lit up and she smiled ear to ear. “Definitely! I’ll do anything I can to make each of their days special. You know that, right?”
He shook his head yes as her fingers caressed his cheek. He took her hand and kissed it, then gave her the look…The look that melted her heart every time. He pulled her up on the sofa atop him and they rang in the new year again.
It’s going to be a good year.
The smell of fresh baked vanilla cake filled the air. Sally pulled the two round cake pans out of the oven and set the cakes aside to cool. It was a recipe she found in an old cook book.
She picked up the container of fresh strawberries they picked at the u-pick yesterday and pulled out the prettiest berries. She rinsed them off, patted them dry, and set them aside. Then she took the rest of them and poured them into the colander, rinsed them thoroughly then set the colander on a towel to drain.
Sally then pulled out a sharp paring knife and went to work hulling and quartering a bulk of the berries, then tossed the berry quarters into a bowl nearby. She poured sure-jell, sugar, and the quartered berries into a large pot on the stove. The mixture cooked down and thickened, filling the house with the smell of strawberry fields.
Once the berries finished cooking, about fifteen minutes later, she set the mixture aside to cool. Freezer jam containers stood by, ready to receive the luscious preserves just cooked up. She snuck a spoonful once it cooled just enough to handle; it tasted close to her granddad’s recipe.
Next she took the room temperature butter she set out earlier and powdered sugar along with the Madagascar vanilla and set it by the mixer. She whipped the butter, then slowly added in the powdered sugar. She added in the vanilla when it was time and finished whipping them together to make a beautiful buttercream frosting.
By the time she had all the components ready, the cakes had cooled. She pulled out a cake stand, covered a cardboard base with foil, then set it with the first layer on the stand. Next she leveled the top of the first cake, placing the crumbs into a side bowl.
She spooned some of the frosting into a piping bag and carefully built a dam along the edge of the first layer of cake. Then she poured some of the preserves which were cooled down into a small bowl and then spooned from the bowl some of the preserves onto the center of the cake. Sally spread the preserves on the cake until they covered the top completely to the icing edge. She then inverted the second layer out to a separate plate and leveled that layer, then carefully stacked it on the first.
She turned her attention to the fresh made preserves which remained, pouring them into the containers sitting nearby and sealing them. Once they cooled down a little more, one would go in the fridge, while the other into the freezer for later. Now on to ice the cake.
She picked up the piping bag and generously covered the top then the sides of the cake with icing. Next she carefully smoothed out the icing. She switched out the tip of the piping bag to a decorative tip then piped a scalloped edge along the bottom of the cake where it met the platter.
She took the the beautiful strawberries she set aside and placed them randomly atop the cake, leaving an area to scribe a small message. She then took a large dollop of remaining icing and placed it in a bowl and mixed in a little food coloring. She placed this icing into another piping bag fitted with a small tip then with it wrote atop the cake ‘Happy Birthday!‘
4…3…2…1! Happy New Year!
The Christmas tree stood still lit in her family’s living room. The smell of pine, steaks, and potatoes wafted through the air. It was the start of a new year.
A knock came from the front door. Her dad called for her. “Someone’s here to see you!” Dad smiled, he was pleased for some reason.
She didn’t expect anyone to stop by, especially around midnight. However, she smiled when she saw his familiar face on the other side of the screen. She was always happy to see him, even though they were only friends now.
He stepped back, motioning her to come outside. She followed him in her socked feet. It was a beautiful night, a perfect way to start the new year. She wondered why he was here; surely he should be with his girlfriend. Maybe he’d already seen her. Maybe he was headed there next. She didn’t know, and she realized she didn’t really care. He was here, now.
He rested back on a vehicle in the drive, and they talked a little. Then he stood up, he caressed her cheek, and he leaned in. She’d missed his lips on hers, but the world began to spin.
Memories flowed back along with her hopes and dreams she’d tried so hard to push to the back of her mind. She should have stepped back, but her heart wouldn’t let her. She kissed him back instead.
When the moment ended, they stood there and he hugged her tight. She looked up at him, their eyes locked, and more was exchanged in that moment than could ever be expressed through words.
Slowly, he let her go, walked to his truck, then drove away. Her mind still reeling, she floated back inside and off to bed.
She never forgot that moment. It would bring her happy tears even in the most trying times. It reminded her she was loved.
Curled up, feet tucked under.
Leaning against the sofa pillow,
Morning light streams in
while a warm cup of tea awaits.
Gently I rub the sleep from my eyes.
Quiet fills the room,
The only sounds are a radio
playing off in the distance
and the soothing purr
of one of my furry companions.
Saturday starts.
Part Four
Suzy nervously fluffed the pillows on the twin beds in the guest room and removed a few items in the dresser to make room for the girls’ things. She paced in and out of the room, putting away more items and making sure everything was just so. She stopped and looked back into the room. Nothing more remained for her to do in there. She exhaled, turned and headed out to the living room then started straightening up there.
Steve came out from his den. “What’s going on? You’re pacing like an expectant father….and I would know!” He smiled at her as he steadied her, gently touching her arms with his hands. He knew what was going on in her head. “It’s fine. Relax. This isn’t the first time you’re meeting them or anything.”
Suzy bit her lip a little, a tell on how anxious she felt inside. “I know, but I want things to be, well, comfortable for them. I want them to think of this as their home too.” Her brow was furrowed with small little grooves.
He kissed her forehead. “They will, but you need to relax okay? They’ll be here in about an hour. Go outside and get some fresh air. I’ll be out in a few.” With that he lowered his hands from her arms and headed to the kitchen.
She put down the magazines and papers she had in her hand on the coffee table, then walked outside and took a seat on one of the Adirondacks on the front porch. She took in a deep breath and looked around at their little homestead. She hoped the girls found it a welcoming getaway whenever they wanted to see their dad. They were both older now, one in college and one just now building a life of her own.
Steve came out and handed her a glass of iced tea, then sat next to her, looking out towards the drive to the house. “You know, they’re probably going to come in, say hi, and then get stuck looking at the screens on their phones after they walk around our place.”
Suzy smiled at him. She understood he was trying to relax her, but she remembered times at her dad’s, not being comfortable around his wife, not feeling like part of that family. Her half-sister would want to play and hang out, so Dad would take them both over to Grandma’s. She didn’t want his girls to feel like she had back then.
Soon, a car came rambling down the drive. His old Nissan, handed down to his oldest, Sofia, pulled to a stop. Sofia and Lexi jumped out of the car and bounded up the stairs to the front porch. Steve had already stood up and met them half-way in a group hug. Suzy stood to the side, happy to see the girls with their Dad. It seemed like it had been a long time since they’d seen each other.
“Hey girls!” Suzy greeted them. She straightened her shirt, unsure if they’d just say hello or finally break that wall with a hug. She knew not to force it though.
Lexi looked over at her. “Hi Suzy.” The reception was lukewarm, but better than the last time. “Nice place.” Lexi pulled open the screen door and headed inside.
Sofia watched her sister go inside, then looked at Suzy. “Hi Suzy, it’s great to see you.” She leaned in and reached for a hug.
Suzy was touched, and Steve smiled her way as she embraced Sofia. “I’m glad you two are here, Sofia. Your dad has missed you both. Let me show you to your room.”
Suzy pulled open the door and the rest of them went inside. Suzy showed the girls to their room.
“I set up the guest room so you each have a bed. The dresser is empty so you can store your clothes or whatever there.”
Sofia looked at her, nodded, and smiled. Lexi mumbled her thanks.
“I’ll let you guys get settled.”
Suzy stepped away and wandered back down the hall to the kitchen, then started pulling out food for dinner. Steve stepped up to the counter next to her as she cleaned some vegetables. “I think that went pretty well. Give Lexi some time.”
Suzy grinned. “I know. I remember being there myself.” Changing the subject, she asked, “Hey, you good with chicken and grilled veggies tonight?”
Steve picked up the knife and started slicing up the peppers Suzy had already washed. “Of course, but I’d rather have steak.”
Suzy met his puppy dog eyes when she looked over at him, and smirked. She turned, opened the fridge and pulled out steaks, then readied them for the grill. “Deal!”
The ibis take flight
as the sun rises from the horizon.
White bodies contrast
against coral colored clouds.
They make no sound
except for feathery flaps
of their wings.
Off to start their day
in search of breakfast
amid blue skies.
What do you crave first thing in the morning?
Part Three
Suzy walked out the front door, carrying her pack, and made a beeline for the picnic table where Steve was. It was a late summer afternoon, and she was ready for a short adventure.
Steve was ready to head out, standing there with his hikers on. This afternoon they were going to explore their own backyard so to speak. Suzy reached for his hand as she walked by. “Come on, let’s go.”
He resisted a moment, pulling her just hard enough that she stepped back closer to him, and planted a kiss on her lips. “Okay, now we can go.”
Suzy chuckled a little as she turned to lead Steve to the edge of the stream. The former owners left a plank across to the conservation area which bordered their property.
Suzy pretended to be walking a tightrope, extending her hands out to each side as she crossed then hopped off the end and turned to take a bow.
Steve rolled his eyes, but also laughed. Sometime Suzy could be a nut. He finished crossing as well, then took the lead.
They had found a trail marker not long after moving in, but today was the first time they journeyed out on it. Steve knew about the area, he had already looked up details about it including elevation changes and other conditions, but the trail was still new to both of them.
Suzy stayed back, tracing Steve’s step as best as her shorter legs could. The trail was easy at first, with trees shading their walk and keeping them protected from the summer sun. They happened upon a couple of craggy points, but nothing too major.
The trail for the most part paralleled the stream and the water was typically in their sights. Eventually they came to a fork in the trail, one continued up stream, the other turned up a steep hill.
“So, which way, Suzy?”
She smiled. “Up!”
Steve was a little shocked; the trail along the stream was smooth sailing, but there was no telling where the other fork led.
Suzy just kept on smiling as they both found their own ways to scramble up the small incline. Little did Steve know, there was a surprise ahead. Suzy read about it in one of the letters left behind from a previous resident.
They continued to make their way on the trail when they came to a clearing. It was only a short walk from the house, but Steve stopped in amazement. He walked out to the middle of the clearing and turned around.
From here, they had a clear view of the sky above as well as the Rockies. In the field stood a small bald atop a rocky crag climbing out from the grassy field.
Suzy took Steve by the hand, “Come, let’s check it out!”
Together, they climbed up the rock jutting out from the ground. It reminded her of Garden of the Gods a bit. When they reached the top, she removed her pack and set up their dinner while Steve looked around.
“Come, sit. I have a light so we can get home later.” She patted a spot next to her as he walked back her way. The sun was still above the mountains giving them plenty of time to eat and relax before heading back.
Suzy and Steve found themselves surrounded by nature. They looked over the field below and a small fawn found its way into the clearing. The sky slowly started to change colors as the sun headed towards the mountain tops.
Suzy mused aloud, “I never thought we’d get here.”
Steve looked at her, perplexed. It wasn’t that far from the house. She recognized his befuddlement.
“No, not here. But here, together.” She rocked her feet back and forth, a habit since she was a small child. It calmed her. “It’s like some dream at times.”
Steve just smiled at her with a Cheshire grin. “I never doubted it.”
He leaned in for a kiss, but she resisted for a moment. She wouldn’t let him stay puckered up for too long though.
They continued to share and talk. In the quiet moments they pointed out the birds and watched the skies as the sun settled. Soon, the stars came out then they heard a not too pleasant sound rummaging through the field below.
Steve took the light and quickly scanned the field. He turned to Suzy and with a finger across his lips whispered “Bear.”
Suzy’s eyes grew and she became a little uneasy. Steve patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Black bear, not grizzly.” He turned off the light and allowed their eyes to adjust to the twilight sky. He pointed in the bear’s direction.
They watched the bear wander through the field. Suzy quickly closed up their food containers, worried he was drawn here by their smell. Then she moved it away from the two of them, as if the bear was headed their way.
Steve shook his head, but kept an eye on the bear until he wandered out of view and back off in another direction.
Once the concern had passed, Steve laid out on the blanket and put his arm behind his head as a rest, watching the stars. “We may never need to go camping elsewhere. This is perfect. Did you know it was here?”
“I read about it in one of Lottie Baird’s letters. Apparently she wrote her husband about finding it when he was away during the Korean War. His letters were in the box.”
“Do you know if he made it home?” Steve asked, reflecting on his own time in service.
Suzy curled up next to him and hugged him. “Yes, he did. They had two girls when he returned.”
Steve interlaced his fingers from his free hand with hers. “Thank you for finding this place, for dreaming it for us.”
She leaned up and kissed him sweetly.
Dawn Renee Writes 