I took the alabaster vase which you had carved, from the shelf. Browns, blues, and yellow on a muted white back drop, swirled in the alabaster stone like thoughts in random chaos, beautiful to behold and tragic to experience, the vase held my tears. Tears that you collected with each heartbreak. Tears of joy mingled to blend the two emotions.
I poured them together into the pool of life and there you were, gazing back at me. The memory of your finger tips as a summer breeze through my hair. Your voice of encouragement, never harsh, always truthful, I treasured. Each phrase of your utterance like a verse of poetry, lingers in my heart. My soul is lifted by your presence.
"I have failed you my love."
"How so?" I hear you say.
"Too many things took your place. Too many drove me from your side."
"Than come back." I saw you beckon, arms wide, your gentle smile sliced through my hesitation. New tears formed in my eye. Be still, my heart, my soul, yet how could I return? Fear kept me a prisoner.
My body grows old but not because of you. All that I desired has slipped from me. All the possessions burned away. I am alone. My memories return to you, to the pool, to the alabaster vase and I reach for it again.
A memory slips from within. A song, so beautiful. Desire strikes a balance and I raise my voice to join the chorus. Within the message is clear. "Come back to me." Why did I hesitate?
Death kissed me this morning. I gazed out the window and saw my road. Too many forks. I had hesitated with each turn. But it didn't matter, I knew that now. I saw you at each corner; you turned to follow me when I should have followed you. What is life unless it is to embrace what is dear to us? You are dear to me. Why did it take so long for me to see?I hope you enjoyed that. (340 words).
Nancy
To read more great stories or join the Romantic Friday Writers, created by L'Aussie and Francine Howarth, go here.
22 comments:
Such a tumble of romantic, touching recollections mingled with regret. It held my attention from start to finish. :O)
Hi,
Lovely piece, Nancy. Very poetic and touching reminiscence!
best
F
Hello Nancy.
This is so sad.
I had to read this a couple of time, because I kept changing my interpretation of it.
I like the connection between the vase and all the emotions/tears within. This is particularly visual "I poured them together into the pool of life and there you were, gazing back at me."
A poignant tale of giving up on life when you think you have nothing/no one left to live for.
(Please tell me if I've got it completely wrong)
Great read! I love romance... Have a nice weekend Nancy!
Lisa
A beautiful romantic story of remembrance and regret. It leaves me with a sadness.
Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck
Lovely and sad, and I love "Death kissed me this morning." Nicely done!
Hi praise, thank you Madeleine.
Thank you Francine.
Andy, the great thing about writing for me, is discovering what others read into what I wrote. You are neither right or wrong. I'm glad you enjoyed it enough to read it twice.
Thank you Lisa.
Thank you Manzanita.
Thank you Beverly.
I appreciate you all stopping by and reading my romantic Friday writers post.
Nancy
Really gorgeous, somewhere between prose and poetry. Poignant.
Ooh Nancy, I love 'thoughts in random chaos'
The piece speaks of regret and hope at the same time and is so deeply felt.
Nice piece.
It must be Sad Romantic Friday; you and Donna both.
Thank you Il. High praise.
I am thrilled you liked it Margo.
Hi Mike, thanks.
I appreciate each of you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Nancy
I'm breathless after this read. So visual, sensual. I found myself falling in love with him too.
........dhole
As Andy says, there's so much here it is worthwhile reading through a few times to find the hidden gems. Love the way you've used the alabaster vase and the tears.
Well written Nancy and a great story for Romantic Friday Writers.
Denise<3
I think you used a 'than' when it should have been 'then.' ??
Thank you Donna.
Ah Denise, you've discovered my weakness. Than and then are a challenge for me. I hope it doesn't exclude me from the contest.
Nancy
This piece had a very mystical feel to it for me. I love the vase as key to the story and I see it clearly in my mind. Good pace and near seamless imagery.
~MsQ
Thank MsQ., for your praise. I appreciate it so much.
Nancy
Very beautiful piece. My favorite line: the memory of your finger tips as a summer breeze through my hair."
Thank you for commenting on mine and becoming a follower! I'm your number 67.
Oops! Looked at the wrong one. I'm 408. :)
Hi Sarcasm, thanks for stopping by, becoming a follower and leaving a comment. I'm glad you liked my submission.
Nancy
Ah, this one is filled with regrets and missed opportunities.
Hi Nancy,
What a beautiful story, it brought tears to my eyes. It brought back the time I watched The Notebook and couldn't stop crying.
Thanks.
Yes it is, J. L.
That was a sad movie Nas.
Thank you both for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Nancy
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