The Enchanting Woods of Make Believe
written by: June Potter
Picture perfect was the land of make believe. Colours of shimmering emerald green waves; blue velvet skies above; blooming roses of passionate red; soft delicate pink sunsets and so many more paintings of splendor and intense fun filled moments that to simply explain in mere words was not enough. One had to move from the reality of this world and all its ongoing dark, black corners and see through the innocent eyes of the small, pure child so often still residing deep within, yet hidden far beneath the rubble of adulthood.
Far away in the woods, there where all was that of joy, peace and fun filled days, was a land only known to those whose dreams were able to take them on a journey never to be forgotten. Encircled by a very large powerful fence, whose bold, bright blue eyes pierced through the metal work, was a gate of sheer shimmering gold with a lock of glorious multicolours that spoke in a foreign language only known to Mr. Tin Tin, the brave soldier always on guard duty, ready and willing to go into battle any time an unknown strange person tried to force their way in the land of Yesterday Year. Speckled Tin Tin, as he was called by his brothers in the small yet powerful army of soldiers, was a cheerful soul who had spent many a hot year protecting all who dwelt in this precious land. Known for his bravery in warding off those who intended bringing in parcels of strife; black bags of evil and sand barrels of unclean thoughts and problems unheard of in the beautiful land of Yesterday Year thus contaminating the purity of all the happy carefree children, Mr. Tin Tin would roar as loud as the lions in the vast area where all the animals lay down in harmony one with the other. There were the tender lambs knew no fear and so engaged with small cubs in their own musical dance around tall majestic trees with leaves of huge proportions providing shelter for every conceivable animal. There were wild field mice, running and playing as a happy family of four, accepted as friends and not as a delicious meal for overflying eagles. The waters of refreshment for big and small animals alike were an ongoing source of never-ending make believe and so led to the belief cradled in the tender hearts of all the small children abiding in this harmonious land, that love and acceptance were the complete norm.
Whispering little Michael’s name, the breeze encircling him brought him to an abrupt halt from his hide and seek game with young Bobby. With her outstretched hands of fragility, she pointed in the nearby direction of the calm turquoise sea water lapping up on the clean pale beach sand. Michael slowly made his way to the beckoning water as if drawn by a magnet, and there bouncing up every few seconds from deep under the tranquil sea, was his beloved friend of the deep ocean. Dolly, the dolphin, as he had named her. Every late afternoon when all was quiet and tranquil, Michael would make his way to his favourite spot on the beach. There he would sit, gazing intently at the sun kissed sea, waiting with abated breath for the beginning of the ripples that spoke volumes to his tuned in young spirit. Dolly dolphin had arrived and after dancing as serene as that of the trained ballerina, she would speak forth across the sea water in dolphin language to her young friend. Clapping in excitement and amazement at just how intelligent and even human Dolly was, he longed with all his young being just one chance to be able to ride on her back across the clean clear turquoise water. Maybe today was his special day…maybe his prayers would be heard and his heart’s desire would come true. Suddenly Michael realized that Dolly was not leaving…she was waiting…but for what? Without warning he found himself lifted up by the flowing breeze he had encountered earlier. As the merry breeze whisked him off on her unseen wings across the section dividing him and Dolly, so he became aware of the depth of the ocean beneath. Gazing down intently, he saw fish of all colours diving, swimming in unison, and playing one with the other. Flowers of orange mingled together with those of intense passionate red danced to the silent music only they could hear. Small and large rocks of strength were made into homes of warmth for those sea creatures that needed a place for their babies of beauty and grace. Michael was enthralled by all that his small eyes beheld. As he was gently lowered down onto the smooth, glimmering back of Dolly dolphin, so she turned and with a tender touch of her face on his head let him know how glad she was for this opportunity in making his child-like dreams come true. Around her body, which was far bigger than what appeared from a distance, was a little seat made of seaweed, interwoven with pieces of sea plants. Sitting upright, Michael held on tightly as Dolly began her journey of love. Moving with a graciousness only known to dolphins, she took him into the deeper parts of the picture-perfect turquoise sea. There, in well-formed rows of nine beautiful dolphins diving and dancing in perfect unison to their own harmonious singing dolphin tunes. In and out of the waves they jumped, changing places one with the other yet always in perfect timing. Coming underneath Michael and Dolly they formed a sturdy circle and with inner strength born out of sheer determination, they swept them up into the air, higher and higher. Shrieking with excitement, Michael felt as if he was flying on the back of an eagle…not a dolphin. All around, the shy hidden sea creatures and the nine dolphins laughed and shouted in joy at the immense fun both Michael and Dolly were having. Standing together as one, the dolphins brought them carefully down and with farewell bows they swam off into the near sunset. Dolly began her way back, bobbing up and down causing Michael to laugh in glee and call out in excitement, but just before they reached their destination she came to a slow halt. There amongst the carefully formed rocks was a beautiful sea shop often vacated by friendly dolphins and their little ones. Behind the beautifully molded counter of small, well-positioned rocks were paintings of every conceivable sea fish, dolphin families and precious underwater sea plants. Cool drinks made especially for dolphins were readily available…dolphin squash; sea song dolphin flavoured drinks; dolphin emerald green and blue violet milk shakes, and of course Dolly dolphin badges just waiting to be bought. Photographs, taken unknowingly of Michael riding on Dolly’s back, fitted perfectly into the badge as if waiting for this special occasion. Dolly reached out and handed it to Michael who immediately fastened it to his shirt…a constant reminder that dreams do come true if you only believe. Waiting patiently on the beach, floating in gentle movements around the now dimming afternoon light, the tender alive breeze reached forth and brought Michael back to land. Waving goodbye to Dolly dolphin, his wonderful friend of the turquoise sea, Michael knew that although no one may ever believe the story of his sea adventure, he had the treasured sea badge with the photograph in it of the two of them. A wonderful, fun-filled afternoon of fantasy dreams filling two hearts with tender memories and pure innocent love.
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