The flame flickers for a second and then remains still.
My eyes are hypnotized by the stillness of the fire that usually dances to the rhythms of the spirit world.
A breeze embraces me and I feel Her…
Maferefun mi querida Oya.
With palo in hand, I knock on the door of my Nfumbe and with Their blessings I call to Siete Rayos and the whole of the Bakulu.
The stars twinkle and I am reminded in the most profound way, that I am not alone.
My tongue mirrors those of my ancestors and the words that are released from my mouth have their origins in an antiquated era.
As the breezes continue, I can feel a change in the temperature of my face….
It seems that the shell that houses my spirit cannot contain the emotions that are running rampant within it and has allowed the overflow to pour from the windows of my soul and down my cheek.
It is at this moment that the flame moves.
They wipe my tears and kiss my head, reminding me that all time in mortality is borrowed.
They explain that while I may mourn them physically, I must not fall so deep into grief that I fail to feel the spiritual embraces that they are now offering.
They remind me that I need only close my eyes to play the movies created by the memories made with them.
They remind me that the greatest way to honor their life, is to live mine to the fullest.
They comfort me and say: “We did not leave this world… We evolved in it”
They are my loved ones and while their mortal shells have expired, their spirit is eternal.
©Dr William Q Ross “Mission” 2018