A Sad Short Story. Poem by Macrina (Rire) Cloutier

The sun shone brightly in the sky, but Anne felt no joy. She could feel the cool breeze on her face, but it no longer brought her comfort. The families around her were having a wonderful time, but that only deepened her despair. She sat alone by the lake, feeling disconnected from the world around her. Since she had lost John to the war life seemed to have lost all its allure. Staring deep into the water, Anne let the memories cradle her.

The sound of John's voice rang out over the meadow 'Anne! Come, walk with me.' She had put aside her needlework and strolled toward him. When she reached him he took her arm and led her away from the house. 'My love, ' He began 'You know I have little money and my status is low, but I love you and I want to give you the best life possible.' He bent down on one knee 'Will you let me care for you? Will you let me love you till death do us part? Anne Marie Winterson, will you marry me? ' Anne had let the joy of that moment overwhelm her. But as soon as it had come the memory was gone.

She got up from her lonely spot by the lake and picked up a letter, the letter telling her that John was gone. Brave as always he had helped the wounded soldiers get off the battlefield. On his way to help yet another man, he was shot down. And no one went back to save him. The tears welled in her eyes and silently slipped down her cheeks. She knew she must let the last of him go before she was lost to those around her. She held the letter in her outstretched hand and let it fall into the water. At once she turned and went to join the others in the warm sunlight, letting the memories drown in the deep blue waters of the lake.