Lightening cracked open the sky, and thunder shook the earth again. The storm was on top of them. Most of the men and women were outside now, even though it was the middle of the night. The wind was getting stronger and was playing havoc with the lodge flaps, so the people were busy closing them, tightening the lodge poles, and gathering in what they could. Anything they could not grab was tossed into the air. Children were crying, mothers were screaming, and the men were busy giving commands that nobody heard.
A few of the men tried tending the panic stricken horses. Herding them into a small space worked well in spite of the noise. Another crack, and more rumbling from below. It seemed as if the earth might break open with the shaking. The men stayed with the horses as long as they could, until the hard driving rain forced everyone inside.
No one could sleep. Young lovers took advantage of the time, parents held their children, and some worried about the damage to the village. Would the horses return? They would have to wait until morning.
There was one person that was not awake or asleep. He went to live in the spirit world that night and left his body behind. Lone Horse had been an old man, loved by all the people. He had wisdom from the Creator, and usually after a council meeting people would say – “Lone Horse thinks….” or, “Lone Horse says…” Now there would be an empty seat at council meetings. It was a great loss for everyone.
His wife, Cricket in the Meadow, would not find him until morning. They had been married for more than fifty years, and the people would worry if she could survive the loss. Her health was frail, but fortunately there was still the sparkle of light in her eyes.
Their one child died at a young age from the fever. They carried this pain for the rest of their lives, but it gave them both a vulnerability, a sensitivity, that brought out love in all they did. The people would wrap their arms around Cricket in the Meadow, holding her tight, enveloping her with their love, for as long as she needed. They would get through this somehow, together.
Still, it was a dark time.
Writing Copyright © 2021 rivers renewed, Image public domain
Nice
Thank you Ayi! Peace and beautiful blessings to you.
👌👌👌✒️🌹
Thank you Mic! Peace and wonderful blessings.
A beautiful story, Nico, of love, pain, and community. 💗
Thank you Michele! Peace and wonderful blessings. Have a great weekend.
Thank you. You too!
I felt the storm. Especially love “They carried this pain for the rest of their lives, but it gave them both a vulnerability, a sensitivity, that brought out love in all they did.” Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Sunnyside! Peace and wonderful blessings. Have a beautiful weekend.
To you and your family, also. 🙂
These storms are soundless.
Thank you so much! Peace and wonderful blessings.
Likewise
🙂
Wow! Well done! Touching post.
Thank you JR! Peace and wonderful blessings to you and yours.
Wow this was a great read, such a beautiful story
Thank you More! Peace and wonderful blessings to you.
God bless you
Great story Nico! ❤ 💙 💜 💖
Thank you Nadine! I used to write this way a lot. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Peace and wonderful blessings to you.
It made me feel like I was there! You are an excellent story teller!
Have a great weekend! 😊
Thanks again! You too.
I love your story telling, you fiction. Thank you.
Thank you Maren for your wonderful comments! Peace and beautiful blessings.
Cricket in the meadow goes away in this funest storm! Your post says well the dram in this night, Nico.
In friendship
Michel
I mean: Cricket in the meadow goes away in this fatal storm! Your post says well the dram in this night, Nico. In friendship
Sorry for the slip of the tongue
Thank you Michel! It was Lone Horse that passed away. Cricket in the Meadow is his widow now. Peace my friend and wonderful blessings.
I am sorry for the confusion, Nico.
No problem at all my friend. Peace!
Beautifully written.
Thank you so much! Your comment is a blessing. And welcome to my blog! Peace and wonderful blessings to you.
I commented here , Nico, an I don’ t find my comment ??
In friendhip
Michel
Yes I erased the first one because you said it was a mistake. Your second comment is there. Thank you my friend.
I see it now Michel. I was trying to fix your comment and made a mistake with it. It’s all there now. Peace my friend.
I sometimes try to fix a comment when a reader says they made a mistake. Peace!
and you are right, Nico . You know my English is poor !
Michel you are an excellent blogging friend. Thank you for being here! Peace and beautiful blessings.
Wonderful dark atmosphere is all regards, Nico. Nicely done.
Thank you D.! Peace and wonderful blessings. Have a great week.
Wow. That was powerful, Nico. I loved it.
Thank you Jeff! Your comments are a blessing. Peace and wonderful blessings my friend.
You’re welcome, Nico. Always! Thank you, and to you, my friend.
but fortunately, there was still the sparkle of light in her eyes – these words say so much about the beauty and resilience of her spirit. Your story is so humbling and uplifting at the same time.
Thank you Pragalbha! When I wrote it, there was grief in my life and yet hope and beauty as well. Peace and wonderful blessings to you.
I am moved by how this beauty comes to be – from the deep crevices of our being and feeling _()_
Yes, it is beautiful to see. Thank you again. Peace.