Documenting The Great In-Between: Art from the Astral Realms. Part 11.

 (The soft flicker of a single candle cuts through the heavy dark, accompanied by the low, distant creak of wooden floorboards)

In the quiet stillness of midnight, grief finds its voice through prayer.

When the noise of the world fades away, memory steps into the light. 

Bringing back the warmth of an angel who once saved a lonely soul, and the sacred promise that love outlives the grave.

The story arc. 

I dreamt I knelt in the dark with a white candle burning and began praying.

(A lone voice whispers)

I knew her, my Rosie Lee, like a gift from God.

From the spiritual realm. 

Unmeasured by time itself.

When Love and Fate entwined like red wine and water to make our own beloved communion wine.

But now it's too late.

For, like her grandmother and mother before her, she now sings one of heaven's divine love songs.

I tried singing one after she died. 

Drank so much old whiskey but couldn't sing along.

But I still try to believe, as I grieve, that you sent her here to me, O Lord.

To undo so many old wrongs.

That you sent her straight into my hard, lonely life like an angel from beyond the sky.

Where she brought me true happiness before you called her back and she had to die.

For that I am grateful, Lord. 

For before she came, I was broken and on the brink.

All my hopes and dreams just seemed to float away and sink.

But when my beloved Rosie Lee came and called my name.

She brought that something so special that your sun seemed to shine ever so brighter, and my soul felt lighter.

I know she's there watching in the shadows with you, O Lord.

For I sometimes see her. 

So, hello, Rosie Lee.

I just want to thank you for being you and leading me out of the darkness. 

Even though you're back, watching by the Holy Sea.

It's why I pray.

Pray every day like today.

Even though my broken heart skips.

For one day I know we'll be reunited. Just you wait and see.

The lonely cowboy and his angel called Rosie Lee.

But until then.

Until then, I'll face the world and all its dangers and hardships with that smile you both gave me.

(I dreamt I then bowed, closed my eyes and whispered)

Amen.

(Blowing out the candle. And the room filled with darkness)

(C) Copyright John Duffy