Virtual Perception

I watched the storm swirl as you stared intently as a deer. We followed the creek while the birds swallowed our thoughts. There must be an end and a beginning, we thought as one. The rain tasted of nothing, like our love. The thunder scratched at our ears like chalk, lightning ran into our eyes. We were safe in the rising creek, secure in our dream. You asked if I would like to taste happiness, I replied with a no, it would be bitter. We liked how the red mud felt between our toes. Where were we going, anyway? It’s a long fall to nowhere, but I’m sure you’ll make it. That’s when our souls kissed and said goodbye.

I walk the stormy creek alone now. The constant rain reminds me of us. As a polished pebble bruises my toe, I understand. You went where I can not go, even if I wanted to. I march along the creek talking to imaginary you as I reach the end. The muddy water turns to nothing. I wondered what the meaning to this great disappointment is. Bending my ear closely for a reply, I hear infinity of emptiness. This is when true insanity begins. I will myself to the beginning, turbulent waters. The current pulls me under as I look up and realize you were only a dream. The thought comforts me.

Just as I pull free of the currant, the rain stops. I take a deep breath while the creek exhales. A rainbow appears in the stark sky as I run for cover. A feeling of dread floods every cell of me. I know what comes next, false hope. I run downstream hoping for shelter from the violent multi-colored rays, screaming a silent plea to you.

You reappear as the rain begins anew. Oh how my spirits lift at the sight of my wondrous muse, giving myself back to me. How abundant the moist darkness seems. Our souls sang together once more. Is it possible to be content as your heart breaks? The sorrow I feel with you is the sole time that I know what I have become. I wonder when my tears will finally become one with the creek. You are apathetic as you chase your ghosts, specters of what will be.

I look on content with the knowledge that you are once again with me, if only in perception. We communicate now through once what was. The water amplifies our connection. Can you feel the strength of our bond? I perceive your answer through a ripple, while the green canopy shields me from the strength of the storm. Your voice resonates as notes over space and time. I feel the satisfaction as your lyrics exploit our secrets, longing for more. And though we can no longer converse or know each other in the here and now, we will always cherish the creek and our knowledge attained from our time together.

True meaning lost together, found apart.