dcat
Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program
"Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and
have been used without permission. No
copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.
It was a simple campfire, burning loudly and brightly. The spring air was cool and crisp. The night sky was clear, except for the lazy three quarter moon and some twinkling stars that began their ascent into the evening sky. To the west, the sun had set, and a quiet and reflective time began to overtake the family.
It was the first time all six of them had all gone to the lodge together at the same time, instead of straggling up, as their personal schedules would allow them to.
And even though the lodge house was nestled back under a stand of some of the finest evergreens around, the family decided to build a campfire and spend at least part of this night outside, relishing in the beauty of nature and cherishing the love of one another.
“You know even though that was a long ride today, I’m not a bit tired.”
“I could stay out here forever.”
“Only if the weather holds.”
“And the food!”
“Some people have been known to eat off the land.”
“You’d still need Silas to cook it up for you.”
“It’s better than your so-called beans any day.”
“Always complaining about my cooking, boy howdy.”
A gentle roll of laughter tripped over each of them and each of their faces glowed from the warm light of the campfire.
“I think this just might be my most favorite spot in the whole world.”
“Since when have you been everywhere in the world?
“Oh, you know what I mean.”
“It is beautiful, I never tire of coming up here, of making the trip.”
“But it’s more than just the beauty, it’s all of us getting to be together, like this.
Smiles reflected on all their faces. The sentiment was shared by all of them.
“Does anyone want anymore coffee?” A couple of cups were held out and filled generously, before the pot got set back into the roaring fire.
A calm, peaceful silence overtook them, as the sky above turned from the light blue to dark hues of blue to the overnight darkness that always came.
“You’re all unusually quiet tonight.”
“I’m clearing my mind, no work to think about, my calendar is empty for the next ten days. The only thing I want to give any thought to, is how to land ‘Uncle Charlie’ with the pole I have.”
“Get in line then, because you and that fancy city pole of yours will be out of luck. Maybe ‘Uncle Charlie’ has a son or daughter that’s more to your liking.
“You know the saying, the early bird gets the worm.”
“Well in the case of fishing, don’t you need the worm first?”
Another peal of laughter erupted from the group. Dancing embers and smoke rose from the campfire. The heat that was emoted felt as good as the love itself did.
“I feel like yesterday was a million years ago.”
“That’s why they call it yesterday.”
“You never look back do you?”
“Not if I can help it. I remember the good things. There’s no use hanging on to anything else back there, it’s past. No sense in reliving it. It’ll only make you miserable.”
“Remember Stockton in the early days. It’s amazing to think of all the changes it’s gone through.”
“I remember when the first train came through.”
“There’s no way you could remember that.”
“I do.”
“Of course you do.”
“Well, I do, and the first State Fair too.”
“Only because you got sick!”
All but one shared a laugh. The scent of cigars overtook the group.
“What’s your favorite memory?”
“That’s easy, hunting with father.”
“Christmas.”
“Learning how to ride.”
“Seeing everyone happy.”
“Right now.”
“Knowing there’s a tomorrow.”
That serene peace and calm washed over all of them once again. They looked at each other, face to face, with only love in their hearts. Flames leapt and crackled before each of them.
They sat like that, for what seemed to be endless hours, endless time, sharing stories and hopes for the coming days.
It was nearing midnight, tired eyes began to flutter. One voice spoke out clearly, but softly,
This is thy hour O Soul, thy free flight into the wordless,Away from books, away from art, the day erased, the lesson done,Thee fully forth emerging, silent, gazing, pondering the themes thou lovest best,
Night, sleep, death and the stars.
Walt Whitman – A Clear Midnight