5/23/12

Salty Sea-Sweet Soul
By Shayne Hinkle


Her fair skin reflected the Florida-summer sun. Watching the waves toddle upon the sand only to retreat again to the vast Atlantic he pondered life. For the last twenty years he was forced to concentrate on things most don’t bother one minute of their day with. There was no concern for normal adult issues. He scoffed at taxes and medical costs and retirement plans and college funds. He wondered if the precious time gifted to all humans prattling about this enormous blue-marble was really taken advantage of.

Aren’t you worried? He asked.

I’ve had way too much time to worry, she said.

Me and my stupid comments again.

Not stupid. You're just worried Baby. That's all. She said gripping his hand tighter and swinging her arm forward.

Each of them gazed upon the white-capping waves. Seldom did either look away from the red horizon while strolling along the beach.

Everything will be fine. Besides I know you won’t let me down…You never have, she said.

The hard object in his front pocket was felt every time his hand brushed his side. He gently took her hand and thought of the times spent with her in their garden back home tending to berry-bushes and pink bell-shaped flowers. Her hand was smaller now, too small for the wedding ring now hanging on her coral necklace.

It’s a beautiful sunset, she said. It’s been a long time since we’ve done this.

Too long, he said.

I just want to make the best of now and what is to come later, she said.

Their grandkids played as grandkids do. Their children watched from the confines of the wooden-railed deck. There were no smiling faces no joyous thoughts no feelings of happiness no feelings of hope no feelings of regret; only an understanding of what was to come with the next sunrise and why.

Thawed pineapple mugs sat about the dew covered tables on the deck. Plates of half eaten food and empty rum bottles filled the trash. The grill was still warm. The Tiki torches had burned out with the setting moon. The couple was lying on the beach being bathed in the morning sun. While stroking her hair over and behind her now seemingly small ear, he whispered questions to her.

Do you remember when I first met you? I do, he said softly.

He paused a moment only to snuggle closer to his still lovely wife.

You were the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. Remember how I used to tell you that God must have been jealous that you choose to fall? I do, he said adding a soft kiss to her forehead.

Leaning his head on her, the couple stared at the deep blue. He kissed her on the cheek, recalling their youthful years together, how each of them had wanted a different life for the other and their children. The children, how they must feel, he thought. Closer the waves crept, as high-tide greeted the couple. In the midst of sloshing, salty-foam, he could hear sniffles behind him.

The children wanted to tell you good-bye one last time, Honey.

One by one each in their own way bid their mother farewell on her journey into the unknown. Flowers and kisses and sea shell necklaces and pictures and whimpered words and gentle touches and tears covered the strongest woman they had ever known. Each turned away in their own time, leaving their father alone with her for one last moment, one last memory.

The deep footprints leading from her body seemed to bear the sadness of their creators.

One by one the sorrowful steps were wiped from the sand by the ever churning surf. Even the tracks of the police and coroner could no longer be seen. Condolences given by neighbors and police and paramedics fell upon her husband’s deaf ears and silently smiling face as he pushed the white wicker glider back and forth with the heels of his bare feet. Holding her orchid head lei, he watched the small, brown, corked bottle drift out on the green tide.

Natural causes

Filled in the blank space on the death certificate and he took solace in knowing it was a lie. A peaceful departure surrounded by those who meant the most to her. And he had done it how she requested, with the dark Belladonna and Foxglove they had planted together in the garden a year before.


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I am currently a non-traditional student at the University of Tennessee and enjoy writing in my spare time since completing some creative writing courses at Pellissippi State. I am a father of four and married to the love of my life. I normally concentrate on poetry, so this is new and fresh for me.