The Bench

A white bench sits alone in the sunlight.  Flaking paint tells its lifelong story of years with nature.  Waves crash on the rocks just feet away.  Short grass spreads from the bench to the wet boulders.  A bird lands on the seat and sings to no one.  Puffy clouds loom across the blue sky; frozen in time.  The sun turns red and touches the horizon.  The bench adapts and turns pink in the light.  As the sun exits the moon rises to center stage.  Constellations cover the vast darkness overhead.  A streaking light gives the bench one wish.  The cry for life is answered.

A man leans his cane against the seat and falls into place.  He removes his Fedora and places it next to his leg.  He struggles to cross his legs before leaning back and stretching both his arms wide.  He holds the back of the bench and looks up at the full moon.  The glowing sphere hears the story once again and accepts friendship from the man.

The night passes as rays of sunlight appear through the trees behind the man.  He places his hat on his head and stands with the support of his cane.  He wishes the bench a good day and disappears.  The bench is alone again.  The ocean continues to churn life.  The bird returns to sing a song.

A couple appears in the distance and the bench straightens.  He longs for their touch.  They pass him by and step onto the sand.  They laugh and splash in the water; entertaining the bench with their childish frolicking.  Loneliness returns to the bench when they leave.  He longs for the night and the man with the story.  When the moon appears the man returns and brings happiness to the bench.  He welcomes his friend and listens once again.