Summer's end/an exercise in the written word

In the shimmering distance the heat makes itself visible; in the beads of sweat that spring up as we step out of the car it is felt. It builds within the loosely wound billows of my headscarf, prompting any perspiration to succumb to gravity. The shade of an opened umbrella offers little relief, the humidity so great it feels as if I am breathing through a damp towel. I step through the cemetery, following the winding path upwards between gravestones and vegetation, at the center of a somber procession, which halts and gathers around the tombstones of my forefathers.

We settle into our makeshift seats among the marble and stone, unyielding against our flesh, testament to ages gone and ages to come. The crickets or grasshoppers sound all around us. The voices of others among the cemetery reach us, faintly but surely. It is that time, which for me signals the coming to an end of summer and my time in Brunei. Much as we are here to acknowledge the passing of life and ultimately time, before we celebrate its presence. Ustaz's sonorous chanting permeates the thick atmosphere, languidly spiralling upwards with the pungent smoke of incense; which winds its way up the stalks growing from the graves, over and beyond the blood red edges of its leaves. The passing of time seems as turbid as the air around us. I grow restless, the marble underneath me growing more uncomfortable by the minute. A cool breeze teases me and then is gone.

Prayers finished, we take turns to perform the last few rites, and make our way down and out of the cemetery breathing a sigh of relief as the cold air from the airconditioning in the car hits us and we rid ourselves of the binding scarves. The solemnity stays with me. In a few days I would be gone.

My last few days I engaged and reveled in the company of those most closest to me, and that one who is most dearest. Flying off was a goodbye to the physicality of my being. There were no tears, only sadness and the hope that we could hold on til my time here is at an end. Summer flashes in my head. Like undeveloped photos, that will never see the light of day but will remain forever. Good times. One last hug. One last kiss. One last touch, wave and glance.... and summer 2008 was officially over as I flew on wings to gray, murky climes and the shadowy future.

I look forward to the end of this year, and summer 2009, with great anticipation.
Fay ce que voudras. Do what you like. Do what you can. Whatever it takes.
A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. =D