Fire and water, both can give
life or take it away. I travelled for miles to reach the old water tower,
now called Water Town. In the end the building turned out to be nothing
special but then I had plans. Chicago was a city full and miraculous moments.
I walked by the Hitchcock house
and tried to find something in common with both buildings. After
all they both survived a fire in 1871 that is still talked about
today.
This all started with a letter
which I still clutch in my hands. It had been passed down generation to
generation and until now no one had anything to do with it. It seemed easier
that way. Why stir things up? But then I always needed to know things.
I always needed to know why?
In my dad's will, he left me this letter
that told of my great grandfather who simply loved too much. Tears
streaked down my face while I read of a man racked with guilt. In a barn
behind the place where he worked he prepared a romantic evening. He had
bought the ring, lit the candles, and poured the champagne. When she showed
up he asked the eternal question,
"Will you be my wife, will you be my eternal love?"
I can't even imagine the
look on his face when she simply shook her head and walked away. In his
letter he said he didn't even remember leaving, didn't remember the candles
he left burning.
After walking miles upon miles on a star
lit night he found himself in front of the water tower. He glanced at the
ring one more time. There were no more tears to shed. In a corner
of the tower he dug a hole and buried his feelings of love. He believes
that night his fury came to be.
As long as he lived he regrets the outcome.
Too many lives lost.
I followed the instructions and underneath
the rotten wood I uncovered the box. I wondered why no one else tried?
The diamond ring was beautiful, the craftsmanship unique. The memories
of the Chicago fire 130 years ago made this ring almost burn in my hands.
The truth should finally be told, shouldn't
it? People had a right to know. My family knew and never said a word,
but I wasn't sure I could keep such secrets. You may want more from
me, but I took that ring and put it back where I found it.
When I got back home I visited
my lawyer and had my will written. In it I left a letter.
First published Doorknobs and Bodypaint Issue #24 November 2001
http://www.iceflow.com/doorknobs/DB.html