Entry #57

Sanziene
by Bruce Roush


He pulled his caravan onto the beach, joining the others. Bonfires were blazing as he started his own. Not yet dark, the sun was sinking toward the water. Flaming torches carried by unseen hands added light in the woods. All were waiting for the moment when the natural elements of earth, air, fire, and water were balanced, allowing those on the other side to visit.

He had been coming to the celebration of the solstice for years. Each time at sunset, she would reappear, only to leave at sunrise, being called back to the other world. While he had visibly aged, she always looked as she did when illness tore her from his arms.

The setting sun burned red across the water. Women dressed in white appeared from the shadows, tossing showers of yellow flowers, each flower turning into a fairy as it touched the water. Two fairies soared high into the sky and took the shapes of doves. Their beaks grasped the air, pulling it open like a celestial curtain. The circular door to the other world was revealed, golden light pouring from it.

A voice called, "Django, Django my love, I'm here." Looking up into the light, he saw her smiling that captivating smile. "It's time, Django, you're to come back with me."

The faithful vigil was over. He reached toward her, his hand and arm silhouetted against the fiery red reflecting water. Together they merged into the golden light.