Title: Parting Rituals
SubPen Dues: 4/1/10 to 7/1/10
The warm California sun streamed through the gently waving palm trees
outside the window, casting rippling patterns of light and dark across a
well worn duffle bag. Two
graceful hands moved with deliberation across piles of clean crisp khaki and
soft white cotton… selected a target and folded it with military precision.
Those whose lives were ensnared by the siren call of the sea tended to be a
rather superstitious folk and the woman packing the duffle was no exception.
Heartfelt prayers of protection and love were gently wrapped around
each piece of clothing as they were added to the duffle.
This was her superstition.
Her private ritual…done only while her beloved was occupied with
other last minute details.
He had protested that he was more than capable of packing his own bag
and had done so for many years before their lives crossed paths.
It did not take him long to discover
that some things were non-negotiable.
A mischievous smile danced briefly across her lips.
Such a sensible man.
The pace of packing slowed as she heard the shower cease in the master
bathroom. Deliciously tempting
images filled her imagination in perfect accompaniment to the sounds of her
love slowly donning his meticulous cloak of dutiful khaki.
Unfortunately she would have to
settle for just her imagination as it was almost time for the more formal
leave-taking rituals to begin.
Rituals that would be repeated in homes all across the Institute property.
The last minute household details discussed
as they drove down the twisting
drive from the cliff-side dwellings of Officers Row to the secure dock where
Seaview lay in expectant majesty…the last precious kiss, wordlessly sharing
so much of what was in their hearts in one brief tender moment…fixing firmly
into memory the feeling of being engulfed in strong arms, held tight against
smooth, pressed khaki, breathing deeply one last time the spicy scent of his
favorite after shave….the final wave goodbye as her love disappeared into
his other Lady’s cool embrace…
As she carefully stowed the last item, a rich, warm voice called her name.
In one final ritual she took a deep breath, carefully locked away her
fears, and summoned up her best smile.
Zipping up the bag she turned and headed to where her love waited.
It was time.
Tomorrow she, along with the other wives and sweethearts of N.I.M.R., would
return to the comfort of routine, buoyed up by the resilient and supportive
sisterhood of those who love men of the sea.
But today…today was for poignant farewells, the occasional tear and
the communal prayers of those left behind as they watched the greater part
of their hearts slip into the soundless deep.
The Lord watch between me and thee
while we are absent one from another.
© 2010 Kim Q. All Rights Reserved