Restoration
Christine Kansanback

She remembered his anniversary
Early in the morning, just as the fire
Eye of the sun on the horizon winked,
And it glanced sluggishly around at the
World before it. The sun’s gaze adorned the
Landscape in rose and gold before the true
Colors burst out of the prison of night.
The leafy sentinels stretched as they were
Aroused from their enchanted state; then they
Strained their arms toward the misty rays.
Fallen rainbows were still alive in the
Dainty flowers that now scattered the hill,
Shyly tilting their blushing faces as
The growing warmth gently caressed them, and
Slivers of emerald quivered and sparkled
When dew droplets lusciously rolled down their Backs. It was a day for life and living.
He languidly lounged at the base of a
Guardian oak and listened as the tree
Whispered knowingly to him through the breeze.
He noticed her when she came, and he was
Enthralled. Nearby, the faithful boulder that
Bore the scars of his life reminded him
Of the meaning today would bring, for he
Had waited for years for what was about
To transpire. The plethora of doubts
Melted into oblivion at the
Sight of her. His spirit sang, and his soul
Quickened. He had not seen her since a year
Before his first anniversary. A
Smile played around his lips, for she did not
Have the purposeful stride that she once did,
Nor the red fire in her hair. He had loved
To watch it dance and lick her face when she
Wore it loose, and free, and a naughty breeze
Captured it. Now the wind toyed with only
His shadow since she now wore her hair pinned
Severely on her head. Memories of
Her china skin still plagued his mind, and from
This torment, he learned the trade. She shuffled
Across the lush lawn with exhaustion close
Behind. No matter, for it was such a
Lovely place. She desired to build a home
There where she could revive her weary
Bones. Perhaps someday soon, she thought. The time
Passed and she finally reached the cold stone
Where she could sit in comfort. She was not
Surprised by the intensity of her
Fatigue as she struggled to catch her breath,
Her chest heaving with effort. She inhaled
Deeply as she stared at the rough knot in
The bark above the oak. After some time
She stood and studied the old, weathered stone,
Sighing as grief overwhelmed her heart. She
Held her own piece of the rainbow in her
Hand. Creaking like a rusty hinge, she stooped
To offer it like a sacrifice to
The hardened earth. Rain fell from her eyes and
Drowned the rock in love as she briefly pressed
Her lips to its craggy, wizened surface.
She braced against it and pulled herself to
Her feet and began the long shamble from
Whence she came. She said not a word to him.
He stood in silence as he watched her leave.
He approached the boulder, and he threaded
His fingers through her fragile blessing. She
Had not said a word to him; she spoke with
Her tears. It was sufficient for him now.
She would come again soon to be with him.
He had mastered patience. It is only
A matter of time, he thought as he smiled,
Shimmered, and faded as the flow of the
Showers that came from heaven consumed him.

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