Sunsets*

he asked her if she ever watched the sunsets.

There she was. and had forgotten. The most wonderful place for living, and he said, "they've really been beautiful these last few days."

she was so concerned with enjoying alone that she forgot the days turned to nights outside too.

He, a different He, an old and comforting and wise He, bent over the stream, almost bending as if He knew that eventually she would seek Him. As if He knew when He was not so old, that she, that many, would need Him. He was worn there from those who needed Him before, but she felt He was meant now to be for her. So she climbed up.

The moss and needles made a cushion and she leaned against His hard shoulder.

Over the bubbling Stream she sat, watching the soft pink fade to soft navy between the Others standing along the bank. she turned to look behind to see from where the water came, would continue to come, and gurgle over the pebbles and under the bridge. she looked to see from where the water came and Indian Plum was there waving in her face.

A joyful laugh echoed in His boughs as her head tossed back.

"I see you too, you silly thing," she said, shaking Her leaves. she knew that She wanted to ease her loneliness and her spirit wispered "thank you" and Hers heartily: "of course, Honey."

Silence.

she looked up and outloud she reminded the Forest, and the plants along the bank,

"You're in charge, You know."

As she watched the water gurgle from where it came to where it was going, and saw Them guarding along the bank, and saw the shrubs, and the Soil, and the Sword Fern, she said to Them outloud, "this is all up to you."

Of course They knew, Their wisdom echoed in the soft blues and golds of the sky and of the leaves. and a tear formed in her eye and He held her, and she Knew that His seat was for her then. And she held His hand and and looked into his leaves and said "thank you."

The loneliness did not go away; she was for a minute full of joy and full of sadness, for she belonged but didn't. and They were there, trying as They could, as she sought more.

and all He could do was ask her

if she ever watched the sunsets.





*for Kelly