We trail a gull’s tracks to the surf,
spot a small green bottle; she
removes the cork, pulls out a note
written in an alien hand.
Unable to read the note she starts
to throw it away. A voice says Stop.
I turn to face a bearded seaman,
an Asian mariner. He asks to see the note,
says it was written by Li Yin, a Chinese poet
in Singapore: Her lover was swept to sea
in a monsoon many years past.
In practiced Mandarin she summons the sea
to deliver the note to her lover,
prays he will return to her.
I reach for the note.
The old man folds it, slips
it into his hat band and walks into the sea.
Wait, I call.
I have a friend in Singapore.
The seaman disappears inside an incoming surge.
I study the green bottle and ask a hovering gull,
Think I should try a better brand of scotch?
The gull flies away with the bottle.
Months later I am skimming a shell out to sea.
The gull returns riding on a squawk,
drops the bottle at my feet.
Wrapped around the bottle a note from the
old mariner says, Honorable friend Flanagan
hopes you enjoy your Singapore Sling.
Share
Print
Save
Follow
Carole~
Axilea
I always wondered whether there was a Shaggy Bottle story to be told (or in this case, a Bearded one). Your clever tale answered my query. I almost didn't hear the answer through the laughter that engulfed me. Your sense of humor is full, intact and functioning. I'll bet John got his laughs, too!
All the best,
Charlie
A tried & true romantic tale with your modern spin...
I was then wowified by the change of thought to drinking Scotch
who hasn't had a little different perception when drinking? ;)
and low and behold you make us all smile at John's message
Movin & Groovin Gene
Wine Bottles & Love Notes
Vickie
George
Ciao,
Ragno Donna
Be always safe,
Karen
Love,
Sage
Thank You.
John
cheers,
dan
A journey into the unexpected ~
Best Wishes,
Christine
Regis
A better brand of Scotch sounds good to me gene.
Sometimes I wonder if gulls aren't just your angels.
Peace to you ...
r