Sad Memory: The Life You Once Knew

     The lowering sun slowly sank to rest upon the lake's surface; its reflection glistened upon the endless stretch of water. Colors splashed across the horizon, melting and blending together as the canvas of the sky became a blackened page. Shattered clouds hovered overhead, miraculously resting upon some unknown line that separated the horizon with Lake Erie's surface. The sun was setting on a stage of my life; I was sad to see it go.

The blazing fire emitted from the sun became soft, glowing embers as the sun continued its descent. Waves below me hurled their entire bodies towards the dock, curling and tumbling over one another.

The faint cry of a seagull sliced through the air, growing louder and louder in a deep crescendo as it reverberated off the murky water's surface. The sweet fragrance of seaweed enveloped me.

My cheek was caressed by the the breeze, and my head was filled with secrets; secrets of what lay beyond the horizon. Secrets of sweet summer romances. On my tongue, I tasted all the flavors of summer: the fresh peach pie, the smooth and creamy ice cream, and the flavors of a scarlet and violet night sky. Flavors of a memorable sunset, signaling the end of a day. Signaling the end of something amazing. Signaling a bitter-sweet farewell to something you hold so dear.

My home. I closed my eyes and saw the place where I had learned to walk; the place where sweet, crunchy corn on the cob was always plentiful. I saw the halls, the windows, and the open and welcoming doorway of my summer home. I heard the creaking of the stairs my grandfather built by hand; I heard the roaring of a fast-moving thunderstorm, with rain splashing off the old shingles that covered the lake house. My ears rang with the familiar slam of the screen door, which always signalled the arrival or departure of someone you love.

My real home. Behind lowered eyelids, I saw the tree I had planted and nurtured when I was three years old. Next to it, I saw a for sale sign.

When would I be back? As the sun drifted off into the unknown, I knew that I would soon leave this haven behind. I would sink with life's disappointments; I would rise again each and every new day. I squinted as I turned to fully face the disappearing sun. I wiped the tears from my eyes, realizing how sad it truly is to leave behind something you love; to watch the sun set on a life you once knew.