“the dress on the hill 1918”

A Story by Randall

   I looked upward towards the hill. I saw your new dress flowing in the wind. It was being worn by a cross, I looked for Jesus, I couldn’t find him. I remember you gave your new dress to the neighbor lady, just because she liked it. And then you put on your old one, saying you really didn’t like the new one anyway. You were always kind like that.

   Since we were children, you were three years older than me, and you saw me getting bullied. You came to my rescue, I loved you even then, I was seven, you were ten. You became my savior way back then. All through grade school, then High school, you watched over me. 

   When you asked me to marry you. I said, loud and clear, a resounding Yes! I was so proud that you had chosen me, but what you didn’t know was…, I had already chosen you.

    Our first house, small in size but quite comfortable, you made sure it was made into our home, not just a house! We had chickens for breakfast, eggs, and sheep, which you said would call our names. I still smile thinking of you saying sheep could talk.

   Five summers have passed since we were wed. Twenty one years from the day you first saved me. We have lived life as best we can, loving one another with words and cardinal affection and the utmost tender intimacy. We haven’t been blessed with child yet, but we have one another.

   The summer came as usual, with all things growing, people laughing and dancing. At summer picnics, our love was so fresh for all to see and smile at.

   Then the days turned dark, where there was once life, came death. One after the other, our friends and family, death came taking them from us. We tried, God, how we tried to keep them alive. 

Then, nearing the end of the summer of “1918,” it came to claim you as its victim.

   So, upon the hill, a second dress is worn by a cross. The first cross, given to your friend and neighbor, your new dress. The second cross, your well worn dress made of love.

   And know I shall place a third cross, to wear a pair of pants, a shirt, and a Fedora. To come, not soon enough to be next to its savior and protector!