Sometimes, you just have to write what you need to. So, here goes.
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The Wall
Sergeant Paul Prenzan came to the west
stretch of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as evening neared. His trip started, as it did every year, from
Arlington National Cemetery to the wall.
Despite the humidity, Paul’s uniform was immaculate.
About fifty feet away from the end
of the wall, he froze. There, moving
snail-like in Paul’s direction, was the only woman he ever loved, Rosie
Damick. Her face was lined but
determined. Gray tendrils of hair
drifted in the breeze as her hands clutched a walker for support. Her minute footsteps brought her close to him
faster than he thought possible, stopping just before she reached him. Though she couldn’t see him, Paul’s phantom
heart gave the illusion of a squeeze.
Rose pushed her walker toward the
spot. The lights put a glare where she knew
his name would be but she still saw it.
Releasing her walker, she collapsed to her knees, letting her fingers
run across his name.
“You said you’d come back, damn
it.” she muttered in accented English,
traitorous tears glistening.
He bent down and kissed just above
her cheek, hand passing through her shoulder.
“I tried, dearest.” he whispered, motionless beside her.
Paul and Rose stayed by the wall
until the first rays of sun caressed the ground.
*sigh* It's a beautiful piece, Jennifer. Nicely written and full of emotion. Congrats on being a finalist!
ReplyDeleteHope you're doing well these days! I'm ready for summer to be over so I can get some work done. :)
Very nice! Congrats on making it as a semi-finalist.
ReplyDelete