IN THE GARDEN

Irina (35)
Education: university.
Hair: blonde
Eyes: grey
Job: university teacher of
    ancient langues (currently jobless)
Hobbies: I like to read, visit museums,
make long walks and listen to music.
`Look at us, Doctor,
we could be ordinary people, 
sipping tea, 
our eyes wandering through the sunny garden.' 

I HAVE CLOSED MY BOOKS AND SCROLLS 
I HAVE SERVED MY PURPOSE. 
I WILL SERVE ANOTHER. 

`Are you looking for something?'

I AM LOOKING FOR A NICE SPOT. 
I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A NICE SPOT ... FOR IT. 

`You make it sound as if ...'

AS IF?

`I would like to be buried in this garden.'

SO DO I.

Are you smiling or is it a trick of the light?

`Have you found a particular spot?'

THE SUN SHOULD SHINE ON MY SKIN 
FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. 

`Are you ready then?'
I SUPPOSE NOW IS AS GOOD A TIME AS ANY.
 
When I came, I did not think it could be done.

There is but one time.
You hold out your arm to me, for me to lead you through the garden.

WHEN I CAME I THOUGHT IT COULD NOT BE DONE. 
TOO OLD ALREADY. NO USE. 

`You cannot put up a mask to death 
but you can wear one against age.' 

 

 
`Maybe this is the way I like you best. 
Your body untouched by time and movement, 
but your face as it was, 
ever ready to talk and smile.' 
I HAVE MADE A CHOICE.

 

 
`The lenses. Big, brown. 
They will widen your eyes to blind them.' 

THE ANCIENTS WHEN SCULPTING THE GODS 
GAVE THEM BIG STARING EYES. 

`To signify their power perhaps.'
I THINK 
THEY HAD SEEN THE HORROR 
OF ETERNITY. 

 

I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT BURIAL.

IF I WOULD DIE 
YOU WOULD JUST HAVE TO BRING ON MORE PAINT 
TO KEEP ME STANDING. 
I WOULD BE BURIED ON MY FEET. 

I WOULD CRUMBLE AWAY INSIDE, 
BUT I WOULD NOT LEAVE. 

`The point is: 
we do leave.' 
PUT ON THE MASK THEN. 
 
 
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