Carols of Ghosts…
<>
Crammed in tight with this host of travelers upon the ancient ferry on this Christmas Eve morn, she actually enjoyed the close warmth of fellow early birds - together by habit every day year round as they headed into the big city, but today, the holy day before the holy day, we are somehow joined in spirit, or at least I am, ran her thoughts as they repeated the routine of pressing forward, ready to spring onto the pier the very moment the docking was complete and the gate opened to release them.
Not a routine day at all - How lovely - she marveled as she eyed the carolers huddled under the overhang of the Gatehouse that served as the terminal for not just ferries, but also the bridges that connected the island - on side by car to the suburban bank, and on the other, by footbridge to downtown.
On this special day it looked so very precious all decked out in Christmas lights. Always a hub of activity, usually as a pass thru and meeting point, but on this special day, the center of festivities throughout the beautiful island. Already could spell the fragrance of the many burners and fireplaces already aflame, mixing with the aromas of extra vendors who had already set up shop to offer early morning coffees and other delights. Later in the day and eve, there would be roaring bonfires and even fireworks, if tradition held.
Jolted as usual as the docking abruptly finished, she focused as was her custom on her balance as the gates opened and the travelers surged, and the popping and cracking sounds that now were added didn’t immediately alarm her - strange sounds and sights were just a part of city life - but in the next heartbeat her senses were flooded with notes that overwhelmed and triggered an inner voice: something was amiss!
Always risky to look anywhere but at her careful footsteps so as to keep her balance in the mob, an impulse forced her to glance up towards the sounds - and there, emanating from the “House” were an amazing collage, to her mind, of bright flames and tremendous sparkles, accompanied by a virtual chorus of these new sounds, now more clearly of explosions.
Comments