Experiments in art

Long ago (excerpt 3) The Ride

 The Ride

The ride through the forest was peaceful and relaxing although she barely took notice that he was riding behind her. The sunlight barely filtered through the leaves of the canopy creating a cool green cast to the fern covered forest floor. She took in a deep breath and released it slowly allowing the feeling of peace and contentment that she found here nourish her soul. The sound of the horses' hooves and occasional snuffling was all there was to be heard other than the songs of birds. The rode for hours as her mind and soul fed on the peace and tranquility of the forest. Finally, the trees thinned out opening up to a large, nearly level clearing that was adorned with wildflowers, where she passed the remains of five charred cabin and the still standing stone chimneys. These were remains of another lifetime for her and the other people she had once loved.

The sun shone brilliantly in the sky that was speckled with a few fluffy white clouds. She looked down at the thick, tall grass of the man-made meadow, the specking of wild blue flax refusing to glance toward the chimney for it would bring forth the tears that she was not willing to contend with on this beautiful day. She continued riding until she neared the river's edge where she dismounted and led her horse to the water so it could drink. She stood beside the horse and absentmindedly stared out across the width of the lazy river. The trees were reflected in the smooth water on the far side of the river leaving their greenish cast upon the surface. Its glassy surface was flat, silken and reflective. A few ducks swimming broke the surface near the bank leaving their little v-shaped trails that sparkled like diamonds. She smiled as she watched the ducks for they reminded her of her little sister who had loved them so much. He dismounted silently and stood behind her not wanting to interrupt her solitude. He would be there, if and when she needed him.

After staring at the river for nearly a half hour she turned toward the charred remains of the cabin that once stood there in the middle of the meadow. At the sight of the chimney of the still standing chimneys her fear and pain welled up inside her chest. She vividly recalled that she and Robert had sat on the large stone near her family’s cabin and he had tried to kiss her

Who am I?

I am not sure where my soul is from or what my true purpose is here on Earth, but there are untold stories with in me and they come out in words and art. Perhaps I am a mixture of different stars or an ancient soul placed in this time and place to tell a story.