Waiting

5 years later.

 

     Waiting. Just waiting. It has been five years since I’d last seen Jared. My heart broke the last fifty-four months, but I had never left the lighthouse. He was true to his promise, though. Every week I would receive his letter, including his not-so-bad poetry, and occasionally, a picture of his journeys; but my last letter was dated to four years ago…

     Every night, I drove to the lighthouse and I would watch until sunset for any sign of ships or vessels. I waited and I waited. I waited until that last ray of sunlight hit the surface of the waters and was nowhere to be seen. As night fell, I would walk the high tower until I reached the top of the lighthouse, and I would light the lamps, so I could wait some more.

     I sat on a creaking wooden chair. The lamp light didn’t bother me at all because I stayed at its rear, while I paid attention for ship lights. I exhaled deeply, not realizing that my hands were crumpling a piece of paper. It was Jared’s last poem. Every once in a while, I would bring all of his poems and read it out before sundown. Looking down, I unfolded the paper and flattened its creases and wrinkles. It read:

 

I see beyond the oceans,

The stars, the skies, and space.

They seem to dance in order,

But all I see is your face.

Your tears weigh on my shoulders.

I can’t seem to go on.

But baby if you’re waiting,

I know the light is on.

I blow a kiss towards you;

Just a whisper of a kiss.

Although you’re many miles away,

You’re all I see exists.

Forgive me for my absence.

I miss you more than the sea.

So baby may I marry you?

To this I hope you agree.

Your tears weigh on my shoulders.

I can’t seem to go on.

But baby if you’re waiting,

I know the light is on.

 

     I closed my eyes, tears streaming down my face. I heard the waves crashing in a rhythmic pattern; the seagulls cawing as they gathered in flocks and prepared for the night. The smell of the sea was inviting and salty as it flowed with the winds that blew my hair against my face. I opened my eyes again. It was dark; night had fallen completely and I could see a full moon above. The stars seemed to dance enchanted; so close, I could almost reach out and…

     But those weren’t stars, I noticed. Far beyond the horizon, I saw small light blinking simultaneously. I rose immediately and ran down the long flight of stairs to the bottom of the towering lighthouse. There was only one long concrete path that led from the lighthouse to the shores, but I didn’t care. I held my skirt with both hands and skipped across the flat path of stones that I could find. My bare feet landed on the soft sand, and I halted just before the gushing shoreline. There. Not far beyond the waves was a small ship, lighted with a large lamp that blinked to and fro, matching that of the lighthouse lamp. And just above the haul of the ship was a man, waving madly in my direction. I smiled. Jared.

 

 

 

Author's Note

Last chapter! (still thinking about writing a full, longer story using this plot)
The picture above is my point of inspiration. Like many people listen to songs, I use pictures to help me write. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Adarsh]

This one was simply too good. You're such an amazing writer. The story captivated my mind completely. I think you MUST extend this piece. I loved it a lot. Thank-You for sharing this. :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the ocean. It had a sadness and a beauty. Photo is beautiful. The story is very good. I like the poetry and the many letters. This is a story that you could expand with. Separation can create a lot of loneliness and pain. I like the positive ending. You can tell a story. A very good short story. Thank you.
Coyote