Clark's Walk

Clark’s Walk

By John W. Vander Velden

The crescent moon shown silver through the leaves. Clark awe struck by the patches night sky, jet black filled with bright diamonds of light, visible through the foliage of oaks, maples and beech.  Clark had felt lost, not geographically, but within his mind.  His world changing rapidly, seemed to have left him in point’s unknown.  Driving to this place…a place familiar…a place of his childhood…a place of constants on which he could rely.  Clark’s feet led him afield…a cow path across the meadow…to the ancient wood of his youth.  Little had changed since his romps of yesteryear.  Even in the dark he found the initials carved long ago.

Clark had made a promise.  Years ago as Karen lay fading from his life, he had made that vow…to protect and care for their child.  What a precious tiny bundle Kaylee was then.  It had been a promise Karen need not demand…the obligation firmly etched in Clark’s heart at first glimpse…perhaps before.  But Clark took the promise to ease his beloved’s mind.  She knew the man always true to his word.

Where had the years flown?  Surely memories told of much life lived. Yet…It could not be…Could it?

Stars twinkling through the leaves above, Clark moves through a place familiar.  The sound of the whip-or-will and an owl floated upon the calm night air.  The air carried the musty scent of decomposing leaves that fed the damp ferns at his feet.  The dew dripping from high above, gentle taps on his shoulder, welcomed him home.  Clark had come seeking constants…something he could…even for a moment grasp…steady himself…and prepare for the day to come.

Twenty-four years…too soon he felt sure!  In his eyes Kaylee was yet the child in the pretty pink dress with curly brown hair bound with matching ribbons.  But today he would be released from the vow he had made then.  Today he would place her hand, into the hand of another.  Today he would give his baby away…

Was Alex worthy?  Karen’s sister, Joann, had assured Clark he was…that Karen most certainly would approve.  Those words did not make the pain ease…not really.

Clark moves on among the trees.  How much change had those tall sentinels observed, most a century old and older.  Perhaps to others their growth unnoticed.  Clark realized that even here there was beginning and endings.  Young saplings stretching upward, and some of the oldest trees lay in decay.  Life moved on, here in the wood, and there in his home.  Growth…maturing…Kaylee no longer a child.  In truth she had not been a child for some time.  Perhaps Kaylee’s need for him had past.  It was for Clark to find the strength to quietly release her and trust.  It seemed so different than that day Karen’s father placed her hand in his.  Only at this moment could Clark understand the look in the man’s eyes.  Only at this moment, here beneath the spreading bows, did Clark realize the pain and doubt that filled Karen’s father mind.  In this constantly changing world, there remained some constants. 

Had Clark fulfilled the oaths made on that day?  Had he guarded and protected his father-in-laws precious treasure?  The headstone might hint he had failed.  That he had been unable to save her in the end.  How often had Clark blamed himself…blamed God?  With years passing he had learned to live around the rough hole in his life…to endure with what was left.  Only his memories and Kaylee remained.  And soon he would give their daughter away.  How then could he continue…alone?

Far above the leaves moved, rustled by an invisible breeze.  On the fresh wind came a fragrance so familiar, of honeysuckle…Karen’s favorite.  With tear dimmed eyes Clark stretched out his arms embracing the scent laden breeze.  And Clark realized…as long as Karen’s memory filled his heart…as long as Kaylee carried her mother’s smile…as long as there was a God in heaven… he would not be alone…not here in this dark wood…nor wherever his feet would lead. 

(690 Words)