Those brown eyes are a million hues, so I wonder what the word "brown" even means. They are the forest and the autumnal leaves, the soil in summer and after the rains. How could we ever reduce something so spellbinding to one word, when the colours invite us to marvel in their simplicity.
Amid the wheat, amid the soft golden ears, moves the unseen wind. It moves my hair and sea of summer grass all the same. In these moments on the farm there is an eternity in each second, a joy that comes in the free birdsong and a steadiness to my heart and soul. And supporting all this is the humble Earth, that sweet rich brown that brings all this in concert with the sunshine. If I could wish for peace within this human body and all around, I could wish for no more.
The pig wakes with a sense of soft joy, for she feels the sunshine upon her skin. With a snuffle and wiggle she is on her feet, trotting about to greet the day. She is so puppy-like in her movements and there is an intelligence about her. I feel a smile grow as I watch her ears, they move with each step as Disney characters do, full of an expression that appeals to my heart.
The brambles burst forward with sweet black berries, their flavour a perfect balance of boldness and subtlety. As we pick and eat our fingers become a deep purple, the juice soaking so wonderfully into our skin. When it comes time to head home we will have enough to make a pie, yet we will also be comfortably content with the feast nature has given.
"I know you're feeling bitter, but think of it as a town to pass through rather than a destination. Learn some history, not just personal, but general. Learn what the previous generations on all sides really suffered. When you have that perspective you'll arrive at real compassion and wisdom. It's worth the effort, Sandrine, I promise."
On the nights when he was with her; when she would stay awake waiting for the inevitable. Just waiting for his terrified eyes to meet hers, waiting for him to mutter about guns and friends departed. She would trace the faint white lines lining his back - new stories that she would never gather the courage to ask of. He always looked so confident in his uniform, but when the clothes come off she would see the damage that lay in their wake.
It blows my mind that after all this time you've spent on earth nobody has ever bothered to tell you your eyes aren't brown. They are copper against honey and when they water they glow like two perfect orbs the same shade as nature after it rains. They are warm and sweet like milk chocolate; when you look at me and smile the creases frame them in perfect happiness. They are hot chocolate on a cold fall night at a football game, the soft warmness of them wraps around me like a blanket and makes me feel at home.
Gregory spread the avocado over the toast and sprinkled tomato on top as if it were cake decorations. There was a joy in how he did it, as if for a moment he was happily absorbed by a feeling of love that played in his subtle smile and soft gaze. Then he brought it over, his and mine, the breakfast that became a part of the rhythm of our lives together. For the first time ever I could see every day of my future and I wanted it, I wanted to stay and be apart of it more than anything I've ever wanted... for this new relationship to be something I sailed within until I am old.
The leaf falls, not with the grace of a feather, but not so direct as a stone. It offers only a little resistance to the air, but it's enough to give it that motion - almost predictable but with just the right tinge of chaos the make it entrancing. I watch it until it comes to rest, then smile and go back to selecting rocks of the right size and shape to skip over the surface of the lake.
They always told me I'd feel better if I put my feelings on paper, so I did. But I always knew deep down inside me, neither the ink in my pen or the stencil in my pencil are strong enough to handle the words I want to write.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, gently rubbing her arm. Despite the heaviness in her stomach, it fluttered at the feeling of her body pressed against his. She sunk into the warmth of his side, appreciative of the simple gesture. His touch made the room warmer somehow, her future within its walls seeming a little less bleak.