November Dreams

November Dreams

   It is an early afternoon in November, and I sit on a cold metal bench, staring up at the soft gray sky, waiting. In the air are the aromas of wood smoke and exhaust, and ever so faintly, a whisper of honey and spice. The scent of promises. The trees around me are gray and bare, their rich and vivid colors long since scattered among the many gutters of the city. Clouds cover the sky in a white, fleecy blanket, and it looks like a blank canvas, waiting for some secret painter to come and cover it in vibrant hues. Ahh, yes. This is the perfect place to dream.

   Slowly, the wind picks up, sending the clouds scurrying across the sky. The trees bend and wave in the breeze, and I stand up to join them in their dance. I stretch my wool-cloaked arms out to the horizon. A sudden gust sets my hair free from its restraints and it curls out in a caramal-colored wave, streaming back against my head. My hat flies away to join the breeze, and my coat flutters against the oncoming storm, like wings of some strange bird. Rain begins to thunder down, gently at first, but the drops pour in ever-increasing numbers. Yet still I stand there, against the flood. It is just getting good... 

   For here comes the real storm. A rift in the clouds above opens up, and draws my attention. It discloses a glimpse of sapphire blue, of such a shade that seems impossible for mortal eyes to fully enjoy it's splendor. And yet, despite there being no clouds, there is still rain flowing down from the rift.  Only, the deluge is slightly different. Each drop that falls sparkles like an iridescent jewel before hitting the ground with a gentle "ping". It sounds like music to those with an untrained ear, but I know otherwise. To me, it sounds like memories. Quickly, I run to enjoy the sparkling rain. This was what I was waiting for. I stumble across the wet pavement into the light, a smile growing upon my face. I spin around in the sunshine and laugh as the glowing gold drops tickle the skin on my face. I sigh in ecstasy and close my eyes in joy. Here comes the show.

    The first thing that comes to me is the aroma of fresh mint, still damp from the rain. It's fresh, clean scent drifts across the breeze and into my mind, and soon, the image of an old woman coming out of an old stone house follows. The windmills in the background spin in the crisp chill as the woman strolls through the fresh, emerald grass. She wears a soft pink dress, and it ripples in the breeze as she kneels to pick a sprig of vivid green foliage. The last thing I see before the scene changes, is the woman's silver hair, shining in the pale sunlight, and the smile that crosses her face at the simple pleasures in her life. 

    The next picture is a view of a city as the sun sinks behind the great, gray clouds that swirl around the skyscrapers. As the first raindrops begin to fall, the normally busy streets halt for a moment as people pause in their tracks to put up their umbrellas. In an instant, the drab sidewalks are transformed into an explosion of color. The burst of color reflects across the windows and adds new dimension to the otherwise bleak scene. Blues and greens mingle with oranges and blacks in a raging torrent of humanity. All too soon, the novelty of rain wears away and the pavement resumes its bustle. I watch as the world continues on it's way.

        A girl wearing a cream sweater and a bright red hat strolls down a gray sidewalk. She turns this way and that, looking for something among the fiery red trees that line the narrow parkway. The black streetlamps start to glow as dusk sets in. Her movements grow frantic as the world grows dark around her. Clouds begin to gather above, and she hunches her shoulders against the harsh chill. At last, her shoulders slump as she gives up her search. As she makes her way through the park, the sound of footsteps echoes in the silence. She turns at the sudden sound, and a cheerful grin crawls across her face. Her lover comes to her side, laughing at her change in mood. Gently, he entwines his gloved fingers in hers and guides her into his warm embrace. Together, they huddle against the cold and the approaching rain for a moment, before walking away into the approaching twilight. Slowly, the scene fades into a tangle of cashmere and wool, and a new vision emerges.

      An ancient woman sits by a fire, knitting a beautiful brown sweater. The aroma of wood smoke and cinnamon fills the air, and the sound of her rocking chair against the floor boards resounds throughout the cabin. A ragged red rug lays upon the floor, and pair of crimson curtains hangs in the window. The elderly matron's knitting needles click in harmony with the rain outside. The fire casts a golden glow over the scene as the woman's eyes wander over the many objects upon the shelves. Each item seems to strike a chord with her, for her eyes crinkle up at the corners, and she smiles a toothless grin. Her eyes are a rich royal blue, still sparkling with youth, despite her age. Her gaze lands upon an old chair in the corner, the fabric stained and faded with use. A layer of dust rests upon it and she lets out a soft sigh. She turns back to hearth and puts down her knitting as the fire crackles against the sudden silence. Slowly, her eyes drift shut as the coals begin to cool. And as the last ember winks out, the rain stops and the house is quiet.

      The image fades away as I open my eyes, blinking in the sunlight. I stretch out against the cramps in my limbs as the cold metal of the bench digs into my back. A thick layer of dew covers the grass, and it sparkles like a million jewels. The air is still and wet and cool against my skin. I ease myself up into a sitting position and look out across the sky, only to find it cloudless. Shaking off the sleep that still clouds my mind, I turn and gather up my belongings that I had laid there, only a few hours before. Standing up, I set out down the damp parkway, my mind still whirling with the events of the afternoon. Alas, it was only a sweet November dream.

I hope this makes sense to you guys. Please leave a comment, and have an awesome November.