Sun 31 Jan 2010
Sunlight glimmers from above but not directly, as the sun has just piqued it’s upper position in the sky; shone on the infants face. Colors abound, and spread in all directions. Blues, red, indigos and the pure white light. All stream across the innocence. Across the pure, pale skin check of this tiny life held in embrace before them. Intricate and delicate fabric, fashioned for this very occasion draped from the delicate body.
Rays of light pierce the overall gray that is the sky. The crisp wind cuts the very tiniest of cracks within the walls. These chill those inside to the slightest degree. Those sitting on the the long, wooden seats; those cold themselves, yet the perceived embrace of the occasion brings warmth to all.
As this, most important right of passage proceeds. Those attending the event focus completely on that which is before them. Outside, the passage of gold, tan, red and blue cars fade. All memories and regrets forgotten.
Trickles of water drip, ceremoniously across the brow of the young child.
—
Proud, tall and thin, he presides over the ship. Such respect his crew has for him, as he has overseen them through times of ordinary existence, awaiting the inevitable or that which will never come. They unquestionably follow him, as his experience and undeniable loyalty to them an the mission never falter.
As those they fight embark upon him and his crew, it becomes clear that that there is no escape from this, the inevitable fate of what lies ahead.
—
Just one of a multitude of scenarios that pass through her mind, for her tiny prince. A respected Naval officer presiding over a crew of substantial adoration. A hero of men, responsible for that which will change the lives of many, for better or worse, but to his best judgement. A man, a husband, a father. That pillar of the family to uphold generations to come.
—
All could have been, she imagines. So much that he could be.
As the sun passes over the, the light moves beyond the windows above. Those individuals presiding over this moment move aside. Without the noonday illumination blanketing the miniscule soul, the lifeless gray returns to his tiny cheeks. The baptismal droplets of water slowly trickle down his tiny head.
She drops to her knees as his small body is placed in the equally small casket. Her mind overcome for the boy, only three days old, and the man she never met, and that he could have been.
