Hold my hand

I can almost taste the salt in the breeze. I can definitely feel the cool sand as it sifts through my toes. I love the feeling of the sand as it creeps through every crevasse of my wrinkled toes.

Beyond my toes the sun is slowly slipping into the horizon. The few clouds in the sky burn brighter and brighter with hues of pink, orange and fire. I know that behind us the darkness is creeping in and soon the sky will glitter with stars. But for now, right now, the light still dominates even as a half circle sizzling the cold blue ocean. Between the horizon and the wispy clouds is a kaleidescope of colors that are like a straight rainbow stretching from north to south. The vibrant oranges, yellows, greens, blues, purples and forever black stretch out before us as if we are the only ones watching.

And as every moment passes, I hold her hand. Just as I have done for 50 years. Our fingers intertwine like a vine of grapes in the fields north of us. I never want to let go. Those soft fingers, that are overshadowed by my workman's hands, have always been there. Each trial, struggle, joyous occasion, and after dinner walk has seen the appearance of this feature. Us, intertwined with our hands - together through all of it.

I gently squeeze her hand and draw it to my lips. Tenderly, I caress her hand with my kisses. I then replace her hand to the place it was before. I lean over to her and whisper, "I love you more today, than any day before." And as the sun dips the last rays of light into the sea, she turns to me and says, "And I too love you." All, as she continues to hold my hand tight.

The Hunt

It's colder this morning. Or at least it feels colder. I'm not about ready to look at the thermostat to confirm. It might be worse than I think it is. Yesterday at least my nose hairs thawed out. Not today. I'm still choking on the ice in my head.

The shelter last night was adequate. I wasn't terribly cold anywhere but where my nose and mouth stuck out of the sleeping bag. I'm glad I brought extra clothes for the trip in. Between the snow drifts and the times when the snow was up to my waist, even my fourth layer got wet. It will be two days before I see the truck again. I just have to stay warm and dry until then.

I must admit yesterday was a disappointing day. I thought I would be able to bag a trophy in that first cave, but the residents were far gone. Sadly I have to travel deeper into the forest today. I spent last night dreaming of Bernstein burgers and all of the other gummi insides waiting for me at the end of this hunt. I could almost taste the smoky meat. It would be like lighting a forest fire of taste in my mouth. I could see it spreading fast and being delicious. The only thing preventing it was this bloody cold. That is why I must keep moving.

On the horizon I can see another cave. I approach the cave with my musket in hand, ready and loaded. As I creep in, ever so slowly, the cave warms me. No more wind or snow being blown all about. The walls of the cave protect me.

Suddenly, in the back of the cave, in the corner, I see my trophy. Curled up, sound asleep, so deeply dreaming it doesn't even sense my presence.

Some hunters enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Not me. I'd rather get the animal while it is hibernating. I bring up the muzzle to the bear's ear. Moments before pulling the trigger I feel a muzzle up close to me ear.

"Stop right there Ted." I hear. "It's not bear season and you know it. Put the gun down."

I lower my rifle and turn. Staring at me is Ranger Yogi, his Betetta pointed right at my head. "I saw your truck and knew what you were up to. I've been tracking you ever since. It looks like I got here just in time."

In time for the bear, I think. But not in time for me. It looks like I will have to wait another year to bring home my trophy bear. Because waiting outside the cave is a cold cold park ranger truck and and a year in jail.

Sam's bright success

Sam wasn't the brightest bulb in the package, or at least that is what everyone said. The people at the factory said that. People in the package area said that. Even the people at Walmart said that. "Oh look at this bulb. He's not very bright." Or at least that's what Sam thought they were saying about him.

All day long Sam sat on the shelf at Walmart. Everyday people would walk in and select a different package with a different bulb. Once in a while, Sam would be picked up, examined, and then put back on the shelf. Sam wasn't the brightest bulb and evidently people could tell just by looking at his package. Over time, Sam just got pushed to the back of the shelf never to be seen from again.

One day some evil hackers broke into the town's main frame computer and sent an electric serge through out the city. Bulbs burst all over town. People ran to their stores before night came. K-mart and Walmart cleared out their supplies quickly. Within an hour, Sam was the only bulb left in town. The people of the town huddled around the shelf and stared at Sam. Sam tried to hide in his package. He didn't like being the center of attention. But then Sam saw the crowd part and a little old lady approach. She picked Sam up and put him in her shopping cart. Slowly the woman cascaded down the isles to the cashiers. Money was exchanged, Sam was put in a bag, and away Sam went. All of this happened as the crowd watched and a hushed hum of curiosity hovered over them.

Eventually Sam was let out of the bag, and then out of his package. As he was being screwed into his socket he noticed a damaged light switch. She looked up at him and said, "I'm sorry you are being screwed in here. I'm not as quick as other light switches."

Sam replied, "That's okay, I'm not the brightest bulb."

Gathering outside was a crown of people. Some were pessimistic. Some were believers. But most were just curious - how much light would Sam let out?

After one final turn, Sam came to a stop and was screwed in. The old lady shuffled to the door and turned on the switch. Instantly light filled the room. The crowd outside repelled in disbelief. Even the old lady was shocked. She quickly turned off the switch. Sam looked down at the switch. "What was THAT?"

"I don't know," said the switch, "It must be your doing."

"I didn't do anything." Sam stated. Before they could argue though, the little old lady threw the switch again and suddenly Sam was brighter than the sun at noon.

And he lived happily ever after.