Paper Wings

Brad MacDuff
Author: Brad MacDuff
Word Count: 347
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It was a moonless night and the fire was high against the darkness. The air was cold, but the heat from the flames kept back the frost and scorched leaves from reaching trees. He worked, shirtless, with shadows and firelight dancing across his back. His arm rose and fell, gleaming with sweat and blackened by smoke. The hammer in his hand beat a cadence through the night, set a pulse to the winking of stars.

Beat by beat the structure rose. Rib by rib the frame took form. It was to be a boat, that much was clear – a vessel large enough for the ocean, but small enough for only two. If there was to be a flood and a new world, it would be populated only by the children of Eden.

The other was there, watching him work from the shadows. She clung to the edge of the heat, wary of the searing flames that curled leaves and swallowed frost. Her paper wings were tucked away, folded neatly, safe from sparks. She watched and waited. He worked towards a dawn that would come only when he raised his sails. The night of frost and labor would envelop all until his work was done and white cotton snapped in the sunrise.

He saw her at the edge of the light, too far to reach yet close enough to touch. Her features were cast in red, her hair swept in the rising heat. He opened his mouth to hail her, to call her to him and together lay down to rest. Before he could speak, she held a finger to her lips. The fire shone in her eyes, rippled against her skin and made her dance between shadows.

“Shhhh,” she whispered. He nodded. Some things were better left unsaid.

He turned back to his labor. He had a boat to complete, only then could he raise his voice and let loose the cry trapped in his chest, only then could she unfurl her paper wings and take flight.

His arm rose and fell, the stars followed its rhythm.

  • Philosophy Lee

    Philosophy Lee

    Merry Christmas Brad!
    You’ve got a new fan :)

  • Brad MacDuff replied

    Thanks Lee, and a belated Merry Christmas to you too. I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment.

  • loramae

    loramae

    I was swept away in the reading Brad…Beyond words really! Have a blessed Christmas! :O)

  • Brad MacDuff replied

    Thanks so much Loramae! And a belated Merry Christmas to you too : )

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