For Yael

RTM

In a land of many lands of a world of one of many
Lies a valley peaceful
With giant trees and ponds of crystal blue
Soundless except for the crackling of a stream
Steadily flowing
Past the giants soon reaching a small village

There standing is a man
He is here each morn tending to his craft
For it was once a worthy vessel
Now with weathered stern and fallen mast
It rests beside the river
Motionless

As the sun rises each morn bringing warmth
To the tranquil village
He wakes and readies for the work ahead
Alone

Walking past the small cottages to the river
Past young at play and mothers' caring eye
Stopping for a moment to absorb the sun
And letting the rusty black heavy box to the ground
He watches three children on a carousel

After watching, remembering, and yearning
He lifts the box and slowly turns away
Resuming his familiar daily jaunt

But today was to be different

Now hard at work
Sawdust filling the hull where the hole is to be mended
A strange sound he hears
A voice beautiful
Like a soft melody at a time of distress

She returns a piece that escaped the box
Taking it from her small delicate hands
He notices a smile unlike any other
And a curiosity

While she walks away he watches
Feeling the wind shift changing the river current
The sun's brightness glistening more than ever
Casting new light on the near new vessel

Tomorrow shall be a great day
For it is time to set sail
A stronger and larger sail it is
Hope is all that he has