To the Moon

From high upon a mountain top my view rests on the land below. Snow bright but soft, shades and hues cast a blue and radiant glow. Fluffy flakes drift to the side on an ever downward draft. The sky above gray and dense with plumes of clouds that never change it's view; I think I've had enough.

And so has she.

The terrain spreads out down and as far as the eye can see. The trees stand speckled across the land, limbs bare and reaching toward a sun which never seems to shine. A pathway that leads to civilization and back; dirt with patches of rocks, but never paved.

I wander through the haze of night, only wanting to seek some light and although it never feels quite right I'll continue. For me there's been little hope, lost in a dense fog there's no view from where I stand. There has been no where left to go, nothing to look forward to and I think I've had enough.

And so has she.

I draw myself together, pulling the laces and zippers tight. I once again cast might sight out to the endless gloom. In my mind I see a place that's far but filled with hope. The colors shine as does the sun, but from where I stand it may as well be on the moon, for the hopeless feeling draws me inward, and held within there is also nothing but darkness.

I think I have had enough.

And so has she.

My wardrobe has not changed for a long time now, the warm fluff over over-sized clothing serving as a security blanket, it hugs me but more than merely keeping me warm it keeps me buried.

The moon shines brightly overhead, it's face looks down on all of us yet never takes much in. The land all around has more to show than what's surrounding, and I know there's more. The moon has seen it all, the lands both far and wide and this includes places some can only see in their dreams.

I stare up at the moon above and a thought suddenly occurs to me. My eyes widen and my breath catches in my throat as a single thought strikes me with the weight of a hammer, 'If the moon can see it all than can it show those views to me?' and 'How have I not thought of this before now?'

The more I look up at the moon the more I begin to understand that this was a strange wish. Though upon closing my eyes a beautiful view flows into my mind and I think I begin to understand. All around the sky is blue, the water hues of turquoise and aqua. Birds sing their songs and the scents of salt with tinges of tropical flowers fill my senses. Tears well behind my eyes, it burns and feels so real.

I settle myself upon the ground and I place my hands right before me.

I've had enough.

And so has she.

Under my weight the ground shifts and sand envelopes me. My eyes open and I take in the sights all around, “Have I made it? Am I there? Is this Paradise?” I ask myself as I look to the sky, not caring should anyone hear. The moon glows up above though for now all that is seen is sun. Tinges of things beyond the scope glisten like ice. Flakes of snow edge, melt than dissipate from view but for now I am buried in warm sand and drawn to the sun like never before.

“I don't ask for much...just a break from the dreary day to day...” I ask the sky or whomever would lend an ear. “I have no need of luxuries or even for anyone to serve me...I just want to know that I have gotten away... no... that we have gotten away. I want to know that I provided someone a happy moment. A smile and perhaps even a chance to relax.” A weight lifts off of me and I sigh deeply as I settle into what only feels like a dream. “I want to be someone's salvation... not a burden. I want them to think fondly of me. Not as someone who I brought down.”

By now my tears flow without regard and my body wracked with small stifled sobs now breaks into whimpers of joy. “We were tired of it...we were...” I mutter to the one nearby. She does not respond but instead she reaches out toward me. I reach for my face hot and red from the flow of the tears as a big smile wraps from ear to ear. “I...no...We made it...” I continue to reach out toward her, the light of the sun gives me a whole different view.

One fleeting view was all it took.

They had enough.

And there they were.

I take her hand into mine and press it against my cheek.

She smiles to me so very happily, though tears never grace her face. “I knew all along that you only wanted what was best for us,” she said as she slowly rose to her feet, took my hand into hers. We looked out to the sea, the turquoise field of wonder and she wraps her arm around my waist and we smile. “I knew you would show me this site one day,” she never asked how, nor why.

I glance upward toward the sky, the moon was gone, seamless was the endless, cloudless blue.

I never asked for much luxury. I just wanted you hear with me.

“You are my sun,” she said with a smile, “And although Paradise is not what I was looking for, it is greatly appreciated. I'm glad that I got to see it, but even happier that it's with you.”

Looking to where the moon once had been I utter a small, 'thank you'.

Then turning to my companion I offer a hand. “Care to go for a walk? We've got all the time we need now.”