Cayuga Afternoon: An Observation

The late afternoon sun breaks through an overcast sky. Its rays bring life to a desolate winter scenic, casting shadows of barren trees on an icy ground. The ice moves, overtaking its liquid counterpart until the deep blue can be seen again. Deep blue fights to stay alive, carrying itself north until the high, black boundaries lead it away from a silent sanctuary.

The silence overwhelms everything. No wind. No leaves crunching; they’ve been gone for months. A car glides in, sorely out of place in a land where technology thrives. Not here. The silence eliminates all dependency. The car opens itself to the cold outside air and they emerge, bundled from head to toe. Her being reaches skyward. She surveys the area making sure safety trumps danger. A smile forms and she gestures to him. Barely reaching her hip, his presence commands compassion. He stretches high above his head, grasping for guidance. They connect and begin a slow walk to the edge. Today it’s safe. Today, the ground protects them from a plunge that he wouldn’t survive. Tomorrow, the ground could be gone.

With her steady stride, he struggles to keep up. She lets go and he breaks away, following his inherent curiosity. He reaches the edge, stops, and stares. His fresh tracks in the snow lead her to him. Hand back in hand, she joins in his gaze out to where deep blue has disappeared around the high, black boundaries. The silence speaks to them and they step over the edge. Their confidence gives way to caution.

Not even this stops them from continuing their adventure, taking them closer and closer to deep blue. His stare breaks from the horizon and moves to the bright, white ground. He bends down and runs his fingers slowly across the surface. In one swift motion, he brings  his hands together and throws the crystals into the cold, silent air. The rays shine and the crystals glisten.

The barren trees stand guard on the scene. Their shadow proves the sunshine.