To Pay the Boatman

Why did you slide a coin in his pocket? She asked with a little smile. To pay the Boatman, my Grandma said, you’ll understand in a while. He lay there in his Sunday best a smile on his face no tear, no worry anymore he’s in a better place. Slowly he approached the shore and waited in the line, old and young, rich and poor, some waited a long time. A jingle in his pocket made a few turn heads, there were a few making noise what had that man said? Why do you have coins in your pocket, she asked when she turned, to pay the boatman he replied, you’ll understand soon. A creature came upon the shore and looked them up and down. Who has the fare for this long ride and who will stay on this ground? Many moved toward the boat but few were well prepared, only those with coins given them were able to pay the fare. Years have passed and those without still walk along the shore, many fill the beaches there and each day brings many more. Why did you slide a coin in his pocket, a little girl asked of me to pay the boatman, I replied some day you will see.