departure

Momentary jubilation and euphoria turned to anguish and grief...all in a new york minute. An eagle stands perched atop a roof. Further out, a hawk can be seen circling about a patch of buildings. "Old wives' tales" said a lone man to himself as he observed the birds. Pausing from his walk, he observed the two beings. "So powerful, yet so different in symbolisation" he thought to himself.

Walking on down the street, he heard a friend call out his name; a friend he hadn't contacted since...lord knows when. In that moment, all woe melts away and time stands still as the two engaged in vivid, nostalgic reminiscence from times of yore.

An hour later would find them in a modest bistro down by the quay. Outside the humble establishment, fog starts to set in; foghorns blare, warning ships on open seas. The pair finishes their coffee and makes for the entrance.

When they got outside, rain came drizzling down and as the first volley drummed down on their shoulders, so did the hawk and the eagle - each taking perch on their respective person.

Lightning.

A bright flash and now, his friend is gone. A lesser man would have broken down in tears, but not he. No. He accepted his friend's sudden departure. With eyes closed, he prayed for her - hoping that she will remain happy, jovial, cheery, convivial, blessed and above all, beautiful.

A smile, now, creeps onto his face as he walks away into the night.