Читать книгу Forbidden Graces, Book One: Beginnings - Carol Inc. Bridges - Страница 4

The women were thirsty. They had each traveled a long, dry road. Dust covered their beautiful hair and soiled their clothes. They had to spend hours bathing, brushing, combing, applying sweet scents, practicing words that would not parch their throats, soft, soothing words. The desert had made them dry, and they were willing to do anything to be wet again. To feel moisture all over their bodies.

They wanted to dance and sing and write poetry as well as ride horses, play ball and sweat. They wanted to have babies and feel blood run down their legs. They could hardly wait to cook soup, to give milk, to sweeten life all around them.

They felt like camels. They had endured. They had followed stars, looked for redeemers, made do. Now, upon being summoned by the pristine, glowing chalice in the man’s heart, they responded to the note of the gong as it trailed off into the infinite openness.

There was Saffi. Knowledgeable about all things, now ready to close the books. There was Kate-Amee. Serving. Serving. Serving. Done. Hands washed and ready to embrace. There was Shae. Having reached the land of the Gods only to be turned back, mission not yet completed. There was Keara. Passionate. Devoted. Fed up. She had heard the gong, knew of the chalice, but had not yet found its carrier.

The women met in the great tent. They were attracted to the ribbons blowing, colors everywhere, bells, the bleats of sheep, the cackle of chickens, the splash of children’s laughter. Inside, they could toss the soiled garments, bathe in the clear pool and say the forbidden words about their lives. For no one listened with an ear to judgment, only understanding.

“Yes, yes, we have also endured these things. Yes, we know.” Thus, they emptied themselves of the desert’s dryness. They spit out the grit and cleaned their teeth, drank peppermint tea and melted chocolate with their warm lips. They blessed themselves with ablutions, forgiving all things in a world such as it was. They rested then. Whole again.