He sat at the cove in the dark, the waning beaver moon bright in the sky in front of him. The moonbeams lighting up the sea, extenuating the ripples on the surprisingly calm surface of the sea. The other nice thing about the evening was the temperature, he sat in just a jumper, no hat, not a cold finger to be felt. The plough and many other stars were out to greet him, yet he was far from lifted by the scene. The loss was sinking in now, his love was not there to appreciate the scene with him, to share their day, to hold him close and dream of teleporters or magic cloaks. To see the planets and the shooting stars, to allow the universe to feel the love vibrating from their hearts and smile down on them. He sobbed, in a place enveloped by the dark night to hide the tears and the soft sound of the sea to cover his moans.
Of course it was no surprise to the wise old moon, planets and stars as they had seen it all before, love is always lost in the end, through changing times, circumstances or death.
The seals were more concerned however, their playful swimming friend so upset and defeated.
“Will he be ok? Will he swim joyfully with us once more, doing his silly tricks under the water and scaring the crabs into their funky claw dances? We don’t like him like this, such a tender soul.” The seals asked the moon.
“He only has one weakness, his open loving heart. He knows this, yet loves fully and without fear anyway.” Replied the moon.
“We know his heart and his spirit but we also feel his pain. Will he be ok or has the wound penetrated too deeply?” The seals asked, their eyes moist and glistening in the moonlight as they looked towards their human friend, head in hands, shoulders tense, tears falling through his fingers.
“He knew this day would come. He knew it was necessary in the grand scheme of things. You can’t hold on to perfect moments, good times are always tainted by longing for more and the knowing that they rise and fall. Perhaps this is a good lesson in non-attachment that will serve him well through life.” Said Mars.
“There is an old saying that I will remember well.” Said the man, straightening his spine and wiping his eyes dry. “It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.”
Mars smiled at its core, the seals relaxed, the moonbeams felt warmer and more magical. The plough and the stars twinkled that little bit brighter. The soft sound of the waves sounded more rhythmic and soothing and the hard rock on which he sat felt more grounded and comfortable.
“I have great memories and have had experiences beyond my wildest imaginations. My limits have been tested and I have grown. I shed the darkness with my tears, I release the pain and longing from my heart, and I hold only the light for her. She knows what’s best and always has done. What can not be, can not be, and for me to fight or continue to battle the inevitable would just bring her pain and anxiety at a time where she needs comfort and foundation. I’ll write her a story to show that I care and then after a time of healing has passed perhaps we can exchange stories like penpals of olden times.”
He got up and stretched, eyes feeling puffy. Glad for the company of his sea, solar and universal friends.
“I will swim with you tomorrow seals, a double somersault and a spin and a crab dance, maybe even a glimpse of the Buddha head.” He walked home in the darkness, along the sand, away from the bright lights of the prom. No way he would let people see that he had been crying. He looked up at the moon and said with his mind, “All I ask is that you help her to remember me fondly, the good times, the good feelings and vibes, the laughter and the joy. Let the her forget the rest, no one is perfect, especially me.”
The moon did not respond, each persons memories are their own and how and what they choose to remember is for them to decide.
Once the story was written and sent, the chapter of the Dragons closed. Yet I’m sure the symbolism will live forever, for mythic level loving is not something that happens often.
Inside to Outside 