The Writers' Circle

He sits on the bench he loves watching the many facets of nature simply existing in the valley which stretches out beneath him.  The sheer rocky sides, he sits back from, giving way to a gentler grassy slope which leads to trees, meadows and eventually a small lake at the lowest point. The lake being the preferred destination for all the water falling within the realm of the valley and vegetation being the main obstacle.  A slight breeze circles around the valley, causing the grass to ripple and give the impression of a deep green sea.

As he so often does, he just gazes out before him taking in as much beauty as is possible with his deteriorating eyes.   Growing up just down the road this arena in front of him has brought much happiness.  Granting him freedom in youth for adventure and providing a scenic leisurely walk later in life, when adventure had become but a distant memory.

On the far side of the valley he sees a darkness appearing, brought into the world by the watery masses occupying the sky. These large white clouds, which lack a menacing grey heart, relentlessly march forward towards him.  Their shadow speeding over the valley floor and the darkness they bring consuming the bright colours of the flora. The sparkle of the river is extinguished and the flowers don't seem quite so appealing to the bees, which fly off elsewhere. The darkness sweeps across the valley floor like a tsunami destroying the life in each object, be it natural or shaped by the human hand.  The shadow begins to climb the slope beneath him, getting faster as the gradient increases.  The sunlight on him is the only thing keeping him warm at the moment.  He braces himself in anticipation, waiting to be engulfed by the shadows that loom. 

Then suddenly it hits him and everything seems different. The wind picks up and he has to anchor his hat to his head.  The chill runs through his body and the warm surface he sits on that has been absorbing sun rays begins to cool.  A little bit of joy has been removed from this little part of the world, all the colours around him are dull and the air feels grey.  The sadness in his heart leaps to the fore and his troubles begin to occupy his thoughts.

But the good thing is that he knows the light will return, this hope he clings onto, that time will pass and restore order. As he looks across the valley he sees the brightness chasing away the shadows. Like a valiant knight chasing away the evil hordes. With nature winning the battle and springing back into its full beauty, the birds singing a little louder as if proclaiming the rebirth of their tree.

He watches the brightness advancing and waits to feel the warmth return to his bones, bringing a positive note to his thoughts, that light will conquer darkness.  Although, he does feel happy for the little time of darkness that allows him to fully appreciate the world basking in the suns gift.   Then he feels the sun rays on his skin.  He relaxes and sits back putting his arms behind his head, stretching out his legs, and smiling.  Looking back across the valley at the beautiful view his mind is content again to just take in the vista.  Inwardly chuckling to himself at the death and rebirth constantly occurring in his small world.  The 15th time this has happened this afternoon.  He lets time pass him buy, happily watching.

He sees the next cloud coming, bigger than any other that had passed that day. The darkness it creates seems darker and more menacing.  He sees the light in front of him being eaten away and panics at what it might take from him. He gets up and begins to follow the sun, starting off at a brisk walk to keep him ahead of the shadows closing in. Then picking up until he is running as fast as he can muster, jettisoning his flask and Tupperware to free up his movement, and allow him to keep ahead of the shadows.  He becomes absorbed in his task, a sense of panic instilled in if he should get caught.  He trips and falls as he tries to look behind him, landing face down in the dirt. As he lies on the grass he feels the cold run through him and turns round to see the sun disappear.  He can't control his emotions, he begins to cry, it reminds him of the joy that was taken from him and that never returned.  How did he know the sunshine was going to return? Some things are removed from existence forever. It was something he took for granted, because it always had done.

Something that brings a sparkle and joy to the world can easily leave these fragile shores. So appreciate its beauty while it exists in its full glory before the shadows engulf it.