Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 07:18:52 -0700 (PDT) From: Puer Amore Subject: Visit from David PT VII VISIT FROM DAVID (PT VII) By Barry pueresamo@yahoo.com Disclaimer: This work is one of fiction. Any resemblance of persons or places mentioned in this story to actual persons or places is only slightly more than coincidence. Copyright 2006 Barry. All Rights Reserved. Travis and I both made pigs of ourselves on the wonderful crepes that David had prepared for us. He had learned well, during his school years, when he worked part time for Trey. He had become quite the chef in his own rite. Thank you, David. It was very kind of you to cook for us. Travis and I will take care of the clean up. I said. You know I love to cook, especially for persons I love and whom I know will appreciate it. David responded. Well, that would certainly describe Travis and me. I suggested. David smiled and nodded, looking at me with those loving Hazel eyes. David has always been such a gentle soul. I thought. I always feared that the buffeting this cruel world would serve up for him would, ultimately, destroy that angelic attribute. I'm so glad he remains the same David I've always known and loved. I thought. I'll put on a fresh pot of coffee, while you two are loading the dishwasher and slaving over the pots I dirtied up. David said. Sounds Wonderful, David. I responded. When Travis and I finished our cleaning chores, we joined David at the table, where he was reading the paper...The Herald, of course. I really worry about this country and its destiny. David said. I know you do, as well, Barry, from some of the articles you have written. You're quite right to be concerned, sweetheart. These are perilous times for the U.S.A. I think most people fail to realize how close we are to anarchy. Far more lethal to our country than the threats from without, such as those we have seen most recently, from Muslim terrorists and other external sources of peril, is the turmoil, mutual loathing and polarization we have generated for ourselves internally. There's no middle ground left to us anymore, I seems. I continued. We've exhaust all the topics upon which we can discuss, appreciate each other's points of view and ultimately find some compromise, or least common ground. This leaves us only those topics upon which there can be no compromise. This is best illustrated by the fight over abortion. For those that believe a fetus is a human being, as I do, there can be no compromise with someone who thinks he/she has a "right" to terminate it as a matter of "choice". Lord knows that I'm about as gay as it gets. But I don't want any perk, privilege, right, or recognition that is paid for me by the death of forty million butchered babies. Therefore, I could never embrace any political party that includes a plank in its platform that puts forth the notion that, anyone, even its own mother, has a "right" to murder her own offspring. I will never know why the gay community has aligned itself with that political party, and I think that, in the end, it will backfire upon us in ways we can't even imagine. Those on the other side of the issue, and other issues like it, are equally strident, truculent, and incorrigible. Furthermore, the flames involving all these issues are fanned into a blaze by the new internet and satellite based media, where any moron has an open forum to spew poison to the masses. Since the masses demonstrate, consistently, that they possess the collective and individual I.Q of a turnip, they respond as the "sheeple" the politicians refer to them as. Turnip! Travis laughed. David smiled and turned to Travis and said: I got him onto a roll, didn't I? I'm sorry, sweet angels, but part of protecting you is doing my part to keep this country on an even keel. I want to leave you a U.S.A. that you can be proud of and that will offer you the same chance at the so-called American Dream that it afforded me. It seems more impossible every day...it's really quite depressing. I instructed. That bad, huh? David asked. I fear so, sweet angel. I said. If a nation is defined as a country or society with a common value set and a common language as the glue that facilitates discourse, especially political discourse, I believe we are headed for BIG trouble...cause we are quickly arriving at a point where we have neither. To further exacerbate the issue, we are being invaded by millions of immigrants, who come here illegally and who refuse to become one of us, embrace our culture and speak our language. This is a recipe for disaster. Our politicians are, with only a few exceptions, completely corrupt, so we can't look to them for genuine solutions, they are interested, in vote buying and surviving the next election...pretty scary, my sweet ones. You see, I don't know that I can protect you from what I see coming over the next generation or two. I don't know I can protect myself. MERRY CHRISTMAS! David exclaimed with a smile, hoping to break my spell. Sorry, sorry, I repeated. This is not the day for this discussion. MERRY CHRISTMAS, My sweet angels! I exclaimed. I turned to Travis and said: Travis, David has a chore to perform, if you recall. Travis rose from the table and took David by the hand and led him to the Christmas Tree. He removed a box from under the tree and handed it to David. David opened it with a smile, his eyes began to well up, My Ornaments! He said. Thanks, you two, for waiting for me to place these on the tree. Travis kissed the tear from David's cheek and said: We love you, David. Of course we waited for you. We know it's a special treat for you. Barry explained the tradition to me, Travis concluded. David kissed Travis' forehead and said: Thank you Travis, you're very sweet. I love you too. David showed the ornaments to Travis, saying: See Travis, there is one here for each year I've been here with my wonderful Barry. Each has the year, and the names Barry & David painted on it. They're beautiful! Travis exclaimed. They are indeed, David agreed. They're custom made for us by this little craftsman at the Always Christmas store. Oh, Travis said, we were just there a few weeks ago. David looked at me, but responded to Travis, saying: Why I am not surprised. Travis smiled. You ready? I asked. You know it! David exclaimed. David handed me the first ornament. I kissed it and returned it to him. He, in turn, kissed it and placed it on the tree. David paused and said: Travis, would you like to help? What do I do? Travis asked. Well, now that you are here too, the ornaments won't be happy to hang on the tree unless you impart your kiss as well. Really? Travis asked. Of course! Travis we're a family now. That includes you. Ornament by ornament we went, the three of us, lovingly kissing each ornament and, now, Travis placing each upon the tree. David and I had maintained a constant, loving eye contact during this ritual. God, he still loves me as he always has. I thought. It was so reassuring. Finally, I interjected: Travis, I think there's still another ornament awaiting our affection. Right, he said, retrieving another small box from under the tree. Travis removed the ornament from the box and showed it to David. Like all the others, each being a different color, this one was gold in color. It too, was printed with this year, but the names were three: Travis, David, Barry. David smiled and said: It's beautiful! Welcome to our Christmas tradition, Travis. I'm so happy we're all together. David declared. Travis, David continued, I'm sure Barry has explained to you that our Christmas isn't about presents and parties. It's a celebration of the love we share and the God Who is its source. David went on: We stand at the tree like this each year and reaffirm that love, even as we are at this moment. The experience is all the more beautiful with your participation, now, Travis. So, with all that said, David continued, here comes the next part of our tradition. David turned to me and positioned Travis as the third point in a circumscribing ring. Barry, Travis, David said, I love you with all my being. I always will. I went next: David, Travis, I love you with all my being. I always will. Travis jumped right in: Barry, David, I love you with all my being. I always will, I swear it! He added. We closed the ring to form a mutual hug. We remained in our hug for some time. Finally, David broke our silence: And now we are Three! Forever forward, David continued, we will share this undying bond of love. It makes me so happy. Me too, Travis injected, squeezing us tightly. Me Three! I declared. I love you two angels beyond words. Travis, David said, we always close this little ritual with a kiss. I'll go first. David turned to me and kissed me, sweetly, on the lips. He then turned to Travis and started to kiss him on the forehead. Travis stopped him, tilted back his head and kissed David, square on the lips, saying: All our being, remember? I could have burst with joy at this acceptance of David by Travis. Indeed, we were three. I completed the ritual by kissing David, then Travis with the most warm and loving kisses I hold in my heart. Travis looked at me with that special grin to cue me. David wasn't sure what the cue was, but he followed Travis' lead. Thank You Ganymede. We all chimed. Travis, I still want to sing something with you. What do you say? David suggested. I'm not very good. Travis replied. We'll have fun. David said. Even Barry sings with me sometimes. We all make our flubs and enjoy laughing at them. That's part of the fun...I make flubs too, you know. You do? Travis asked. Sure Do! David answered. Well...OK. Travis concluded. There is one song I've learned that I wanted to sing for you and Barry; it's not a Christmas song though. Travis said. Great! David exclaimed. Please! I looked at David and gave him an eyebrow-shrug, indicating that I didn't know what was coming. Travis placed David and I back into our ring of love formation with him. He looked into my eyes, then David's, then mine again. It's OK, Travis, Please go ahead. David said. Travis nodded and started: Now that we love Now that the lonely nights are over How do we make love stay... David moved immediately to Travis, startling him as David pressed Travis' cheek to his chest. I was dumbfounded, I was paralyzed. My heart was about to explode. Was I that bad? Travis asked. On the contrary, Travis, it was so beautiful that my heart demanded I hug you immediately. Do you know the entire set of lyrics by heart, Travis? David asked. Sure. Travis answered. But you've only heard it once, Travis. I said. That's all I usually need. Travis said. I knew it was a special song for both of you, so.... It's the most beautiful thing ever, Travis! David declared. Dear God, you truly are an angel, David insisted. Now it's a special song for the three of us. I said. I was already crying, I couldn't help it. Forgive me for interrupting you, Travis. David apologized. Please finish the song. Please. David begged. Travis continued: Elusive as dreams, barely remembered in the morning Love like a phantom flies... David and I both were crying now. ...Moments fleet taste sweet within the rapture When precious flesh is greedily consumed... That wonderful angel had caught me and, apparently, David completely off guard and we were both crying like babies. But mystery's a thing not easily captured And, once deceased, not easily exhumed... He really knows the whole thing, lyrics and music. I thought. He's remarkable. ...Look at the moonless night and tell me How do we make love stay. Travis concluded the song. David and I looked, once more at each other. We closed our circle of love to hug Travis tightly in our love for him. Thank You, Travis. I said lovingly. That was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. It was, Travis. David agreed. Barry's right, it truly was beautiful. When we finally disengaged from our embrace, David asked Travis: Do you really learn a piece of music from a single hearing? Usually, Travis said. Unless it's really long and complicated. My teacher says it's a gift. A gift indeed. David replied, glancing up at me. Well, Travis, I promised we'd sing one together, remember? David asked. Yep. Travis responded. Let's go over to the piano. David suggested. Once there, David opened the piano seat and rummaged through some sheet music until he found what he was looking for. Ah, here it is! David declared. This is another one that Barry and I are fond of. We sing it to each other sometimes. Showing the title to Travis...Annie's Song...David asked: Do you already know this one? No. Travis said. Never heard of it. Well, take a few minutes to look it over. David suggested. Do you read music? David asked. Yes. Travis responded. OK. David said. Look at it for a few moments. When you're ready, I'll play it and we'll sing it to Barry together. OK? David asked. While Travis was reading the sheet music, David looked at me and smiled with a wink. It's Pretty. Travis said, as he continued to the final page. OK. Travis said. I'm ready. David placed his hands on the keyboard. Travis looked into my eyes. David began to play. Travis began singing alone: You fill up my senses Like night in a forest Like the mountains in spring time Like a walk in the rain Like a storm in the desert... David joined in: Come Let me love you Let me give my life to you Let me drown in your laughter Let me die in your arms.... When they finished, I shouted: Bravo! ...Bravo! David turned to Travis and said: Travis, you have a very pleasant voice. You also have excellent range. I'm really quite impressed. Aw! Travis replied. My voice is still changing. I crack sometimes. That will pass. David instructed. Travis, David asked, have you ever been tested for photographic memory? Never heard of it. Travis responded. David looked up at me and nodded. What a dolt I am. I thought. I should have picked up on this before now. God, how I have let this angel down. He has a rare gift and I have failed to recognize it. Let's try another. David suggested. OK. Travis replied. This is another one that is special to me. I began singing it to Barry when I had to move to Europe. David explained. Do you know this one? David asked. If, Travis replied. No, I don't know it. Look it over. David said. Do you like this one, Barry? Travis asked me. Yes, I replied. David sings it to me sometimes. After a moment, Travis said: OK. David began to play. Travis stopped him. Don't you need this? Travis inquired as he handed the sheet music back to David. It's OK, Travis, I don't need it. David replied. Just place it here on the piano seat so it doesn't distract you. OK. Travis replied. David began again. Travis looked into my eyes and began on cue: If a picture paints a thousand words Then why can't I paint you The words will never show The you I've come to know... David looked at Travis and, then, at me. David nodded, once more, and winked at me. David joined in harmony with Travis: If a man could be two places at one time I'd be with you Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way... I was in utter amazement. I was also ashamed of myself for having failed to recognize this gift in Travis. ...If the world should stop revolving, spinning slowly down to die I'd spend the end with you And when the world was through Then one by one the stars would all go out Then you and I would simply fly away Neither Travis' nor David's eyes left mine, as the song came to an end. Don't cry, Barry. Travis said. It's Christmas! Tears of joy, sweet angels. God how I love you two. I said. Addendum: Lyrics / Artists to songs in this and following chapters ---------------John Denver...Annie's Song-------------- You fill up my senses Like night in a forest Like the mountains in springtime Like a walk in the rain Like a storm in the desert Like a sleepy blue ocean You fill up my senses Come fill me again Come let me love you Let me give my life to you Let me drown in your laughter Let me die in your arms Let me lay down beside you Let me always be with you Come let me love you Come love me again Let me give my life to you Come let me love you Come love me again You fill up my senses Like a night in the forest Like the mountains in springtime Like a walk in the rain Like a storm in the desert Like a sleepy blue ocean You fill up my senses Come fill me again ---------------Roberta Flack...First Time Ever I Saw Your Face--------------- The first time, ever I saw your face I thought the sun rose in your eyes And the moon and the stars Were the gifts you gave To the dark, and the endless skies My Love. And the first time, ever I kissed your mouth I felt the earth move in my hands Like the trembling heart Of a captive bird That was there, at my command My Love. And the first time, ever I lay with you I felt your heart so close to mine And I knew our joy Would fill the earth And last, til the end of time My Love. And last, 'til the end of time. My love. The first time, ever I saw Your face Your face Your fa-ace Your face ---------------Dan Fogelberg...Make Love Stay -------------------------------- Now that we love Now that the lonely nights are over How do we make love stay? Now that we know The fire can burn bright or merely smolder How do we keep it from dying away? Elusive as dreams Barely remembered in the morning Love like a phantom flies But held in the heart It pales like the empty smile adorning A statue with sightless eyes. Moments fleet, taste sweet within the rapture When precious flesh is greedily consumed But mystery's a thing not easily captured And once deceased not easily exhumed. Now that we love Now that the lonely nights are over How do we make love stay? Moments fleet, taste so sweet within the rapture When precious flesh is greedily consumed But mystery's a thing not easily captured And once deceased not easily exhumed. Now that we loved Look at the moonless night and tell me How do we make love stay? ---------------Bread...If------------------------------------------------- If a picture paints a thousand words, Then why can't I paint you? The words will never show the you I've come to know. If a face could launch a thousand ships, Then where am I to go? There's no one home but you, You're all that's left me too. And when my love for life is running dry, You come and pour yourself on me. If a man could be two places at one time, I'd be with you. Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way. If the world should stop revolving spinning slowly down to die, I'd spend the end with you. And when the world was through, Then one by one the stars would all go out, Then you and I would simply fly away