Monday, February 25, 2008

The Stolen Smile - 2.

...and so, the story continues...

2. Dreams and Stardust

A year or two quickly passed. Jane moved away but somehow that didn’t much matter.

Then one summer day I went with my family to a Public Camping Resort on the shore of a distant lake. The campground was full too overflowing, but there was no one there that I knew, so I spent most of the morning people watching. And people are funny you know.

I still remember how silly it seemed to me that one campsite was so engaged in arranging a privacy nest that they busied themselves like ants fortifying and closing off their firepit and table area. Too busy doing that to scruff their bare feet in the sand, or to breath in campfire smells or moist air off the water. Obviously they were not there to soak up the scent of pine or the open view of nature.

You probably know the one’s I mean. The one’s that string up tarps and build faux-blinds clothespinned and clipped together in order to gain seclusion and privacy from the view of others. Holiday trailers and tents are good but still more privacy is needed. I laughed as I sat in our ‘own yard’ and observed how all eyes at every other site were glued on that campsite. And how those few trailing down to the lake and back slowed and looked so intently.

All of us, including me, waiting for the auspicious moment when a breeze would separate those carefully arranged canvas flaps to reveal what was so necessary to hide. Whatever it was, it must be more intriguing than what the Queen carries in that purse she always brings to even the most intimate of occasions in her smallest ‘sitting room’ and tucks, and strokes, and pets, and positions it beside her, with greater care and affection than she gives her corgi dogs.

Guess I’m not like that or maybe I wouldn’t be telling you this story. The parallel here being that I’m letting you see in my purse (but don’t be taking my crown polish), and I’m not worrying about the crack in the faux blinds.
____

Campgrounds give the appearance of being a fellowship but they are really not. And although only a very few are excessively intent on privacy, the rest of us seek it as well. We want the invisible walls of our area to safely keep out the neighbors, and we want the neighbors to mind their own business in tactful ways. On this particular day, the water was too cold for swimming, too slimy as well, the fish were not biting, and so as the day began to drag on, there seemed little amusement to be had. Most of us just huddled in our separate groups as if tethered to tables and firepits. Too many of us gazing about, tapping fingers on tables, or poking fires with a stick, and wondering what to do next.

But then, down the trail came a youth dragging a sack of ball-playing equipment toward a seldom-used ball diamond, heavy with long grass. And people followed him as if he was a Pied Piper proceeding through a small town. I love playing ball and fell into line with the others.

We gathered at the diamond, and in that group of strangers made self-introductions without awkwardness. There was urgency in forming an easy community so the game could get started. Introductions were made more swiftly and efficiently then if they had been planned and scheduled.

One of the young fellows who introduced himself was very tall with the bluest eyes I had every seen. His blond hair framed his forehead like a silvery-gold crown. His jeans were old, tattered, grease and oil stained. And so was his shirt. But how could anyone notice with his ready laugh. His twinkling blue eyes, his glad nature, and his broad permanent smile.

His name was Gary.

And so the game began. We had such great fun. We played ball until twilight. Until there was no chance of being able to catch or hit the ball without night vision. And then, when we finally wrapped it up, Gary offered to drive me home and I said “yes”.

After that day, Gary and I were best friends. ‘A number’, is what they called it. And for the rest of that summer I laughed more than I have every laughed and smiled more than I have ever smiled.

This is how life is supposed to be in the midst of all the exuberance of youth. Dreams and stardust. And that’s what it was. I hoped the fun would never end. But it was temporary, and before I tell you more, I need to tell you more about Gary.

NEXT POST: Hiding the Pain

12 comments:

None said...

I'm captivated. I can't wait to read more. :)

BTW, don't know if you remember me... I've been following you for years. I just stopped blogging. Good to read you again. Keep it up.

Pauline said...

the plot thickens...

Spicy said...

Can't wait to hear more! You make the winter days go by so much easier.

If you really want to know what the Queen Mother carries in her purse...it's medecinal marijuana. I'm not kidding. She has been prescribed this for the past 30 years. Now you know why she has that vacant look in her eyes and that faint smile.
My source is David Icke..wonderful author.

Unknown said...

Too funny, Mattie.

Keep it coming, Roberta.

Roberta S said...

scotia, Hi, old friend. Yes, indeed, I do remember you. I was disappointed when you stopped writing as I enjoyed your writing so much. I do hope your suspension is only temporary. I am pleasantly surprised that you are following along and finding enjoyment in my story.

Roberta S said...

pauline, so pleased you are still with me on this one.

Roberta S said...

Hi Matty. I wasn't sure you'd have the time and patience for such a long rant but I'm thrilled you are reading along.

Thank you for that little bit of insight into the Queen's purse. That's just one less distraction for me to contemplate while I'm getting on with this story.

Roberta S said...

Hi nora. Glad to have you on board. Hope there's something in each segment to give your day a special boost.

joared said...

Ah, Gary, ... could it be ... one and the same ... of course not ... but ... and what's going on behind the canvas of the secluded campers? Will we ever know?

Joy Des Jardins said...

Gary....one of those golden memories destined to be with you forever. I'd like to think that EVERYONE had some stored away. I'm anxious to hear the rest Roberta....

Roberta S said...

Hi joared. Thanks for commenting. As for what is going on behind the canvas of the secluded campers, I'm withholding comment on that for the time being.

Roberta S said...

joy, there's an odd slant to these kind of stories. I think too often we avoid telling such 'old history' but when I peel back the layers there are bits and pieces that are relevant to any age, and to any time. Thanks for taking the time to comment and I hope you're enjoying the story.