Elegy

Elegy

She sat, alone and silent, under the single tree that grew like a
sentinel on the high rocky crag overlooking the rippling waters of the
sea. In the soft light of the full moon, tresses turned to silver
surrounded the slight oval of her face. A glint of moonbeam reflected
from wide eyes; eyes that saw nothing with the exception of the lonely
waters and the large brilliant orb of the moon.

A gentle breeze blew the folds of her silky garment, gracefully draped
over slim legs drawn beneath her body. Slender arms wrapped around her
legs, she sat there staring over the vast body of water.

The darkness was tranquil. No chirp of bird or hum of insect
interrupted her solitary inspection. The only sound at all was the
faint wail of the breeze and her only companion was the man in the
moon.

"Oh, Man in the Moon," she implored, stretching forth her arm as though
seeking to touch his face. "Have you seen my love? Do you cast your
silvery beams upon his ship this night, guiding him home to me? He has
been gone such a long time. Tell me, Master Moon, so that I may
rest."

The man encased in the shining disc did not answer. She searched his
face but there was no change. Its image remained inscrutable as always.
A deep sigh escaped her lips. Laying her head upon her knees, the warm
wetness of her tears moistened the thin material of her dress.

The breeze caressed her as though attempting to bring comfort to the
weary girl. Within her breast her heart continued to labor, even though
it felt sharply painful in its broken state.

As her tears ceased, she lifted her head once more. Straining to see
across the waters, she searched in vain for a glimpse of mast and sail.
Blank waves, tipped with silver, mocked her gaze.

"Daughter, where are you? The sweet voice of her mother called to her
from below. "Oh my daughter, answer me."

"Here, Mother. I am here. I will come to you."

The girl sprang to her feet. Eager steps carried her to where her
mother stood at the base of her craggy perch. Maybe there was news of
her beloved.

"What is it, Mother?" The girl's voice was tinged with a touch of
quickened breath from her exertions.

Her mother reached for her and enfolded her in caring arms. "Oh, my
lovely daughter. I bring you sad news. Your beloved is gone. The
remnants of his vessel have been found upon the cruel rocks."

"Noooo?." The girl wailed in pain, pain so intense it pierced her as
though a finely honed sword had been driven into her chest; a pain so
intense she could neither speak further words nor even weep. All she
could do was stare at the face of her mother, who wept herself to see
her child so distressed.

"Daughter, come home with me now. Let me comfort you."

"I wish to be alone, Mother." The girl's long silvery hair blew across
a determined face.

Her mother drew the silken strands away and pressed a warm kiss to the
girl's brow. Wrapping her arms about her child and drawing her close,
she spoke into the shell of her daughter's ear. "I understand," the
older woman said simply.

As her mother withdrew, the young woman walked back up the crag to the
impassive cypress stationed near the summit. She stood for a time with
a trembling hand pressed against the trunk, drawing strength from the
tree. Then, unmindful of the rough bark tearing at the delicate fabric
of her dress and the milky surface of her skin, she climbed the tree
until she crouched high above the waters of the black sea. Using a
branch above her head to balance herself, she straightened her
legs.

"Man in the Moon," she whispered, "I have my answer." As the man in the
moon and the sturdy cypress bore silent witness, she flew like an
exotic bird, arms outstretched, with her garment fluttering like
feathers, until at last she met the welcoming sea. As she sank beneath
the waves to meet her beloved, the wind sang a sweet elegy.