Almost two weeks ago, they started and I think I've been leaking them ever since.
It was the drowned boy that began me. Then it was Stormboy and all his peers and teachers sniffing behind me in the pews, the family dropping to one knee in the aisle before they sat down, the Filipino Father marching ahead of the procession in his purple and white robes. It was the sight of his mother ahead of his casket. I've known her for years; a tall, broad shouldered woman with a great smile. Her and I got into some rather fabulous trouble together at last year's Melbourne Cup.
I saw her face as she walked down the aisle Thursday week ago and my hand went straight to my mouth to stop its stupid quivering.
A mother who dived
and dived again
and dived again
into the deep
deep
deep
water
to
find
her
son.
Poor Stormboy not only copped the sudden death of one of his mates but also his Mum saying, 'Don't you ever, ever die or I will kill you!"
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Stormboy knew what you were saying. I'm sure you did too. It's what all parents say to their lost and found kids, when panic gives way to relief.
DeleteI didn't hear about this Sarah. What happened?
ReplyDeleteHe was jumping off the rocks at cheynes beach. He hit the water funny, apparently, came to the surface and then, just sank.
ReplyDeleteOMG, awful. Who's boy was it? I probably don't know them.
ReplyDeleteSo sad..
ReplyDelete