The Solitary Tear

Aurora stood at the gravesite close to Robert’s casket on the bier “Look at her, why I’ve yet to see a tear” The lady whispered to the other so Aurora could hear “Her dress is disrespectful; it’s a heartless thing to wear “My heart bleeds for her husband lying there” This was Robert’s favorite dress and he always used to say “Aurora, wear it for me when I ‘go away’ If you care and I know you do you’ll dare! Aurora, promise me please no tears We’ve known this moment was coming for almost two years.” Aurora saw a man appear under the oak tree on the knoll It was Robert walking in an unhurried stroll! He used the “royal wave” he liked to imitate Aurora repeated it in reverse, she didn’t even hesitate She saw and felt him there emotionally reacting Intellectually realizing “this can’t be happening!” Staring at each other across the expanse of lawn Sharing a last loving communication not as two but one Robert blew her a kiss and walked out of sight Trembling wildly, Aurora fought to stay upright. A solitary tear fell from Aurora’s eye, she felt it descending In slow passage down her cheek carving a groove blistering Stories abound about this unique and mysterious solitary tear Report it happens infrequently, only every several years How or why the tear finds its mourner cannot be explained The tear’s origin and source has yet to be discovered or named. It’s said that a person’s intensity of inexpressible feelings Make the tear appear by their profound grieving. Aurora, like others, is disorganized and unfocused following Robert’s death Making endless adjustments, trying to catch a breath One day she touches the scar on her cheek made by that solitary tear Her mind clears and it becomes an amazing day without confusion or fear Salvation and comfort take many forms if you pray Especially if you believe what God imparts in His way She finally understands that Robert’s soul and spirit were not lost to her And that living isn’t meant to be a meaningless blur Robert rejoiced in living and in his love for her taught her to feel the same They had priceless moments together more than she could count or name And she starts recalling all the memories they made while husband and wife Who’s to say what or whom finally brought Aurora back And gifted her with a tender and loving renewal of her life.