Time-traveler Sophia, Princess Palatine, left her home in 17th century Netherlands to visit one of my favorite parks in 21st century suburban Detroit as part of the Institute of Arts’ novel advertising campaign. She seems to be enjoying the floral bloom of spring.
The Au Sable River, in northern Michigan.
Au Sable River, Michigan
Newburgh Lake, Michigan
and the effervescent stream rushing past joins in the chorus.
Newburgh Lake, Michigan
Hartwick Pines, Michigan
It was strange but reassuring somehow to be back in the student union after a three year absence from the University of Wisconsin campus. The dark wood paneling of the pub absorbed the light coming in, so faces were vague until my eyes adjusted. When I scanned the room again, I noticed her sitting alone, apparently engrossed in a book. She was wearing jeans split to create bell-bottoms and a black blouse, open with a v-neck, a choice I had always appreciated, as it set off her violet-blue eyes. She wore her dark brown hair longer than I remembered, not loose but tucked beneath a silk lavender scarf. On the wooden table, a coffee cup sat off to one side, next to an open notebook. A leather purse, decorated with jade jewelry, apparently of some American Indian design, hung from her chair.
A long minute’s hesitation, then I found myself walking in the direction of her table, turning over in my mind whether to say hello—pretending to myself that I had a choice. After closing the book, she put down her glasses and rubbed her eyes. She untied the scarf and then ran her fingers through her hair. Slipping the scarf inside the purse, she started to get up.
I blurted out, “Hi, Natalie.” The beer on my tray chose that moment to slide and I had to manage a neat balancing act to avoid dousing a girl at the next table.
Natlaie Mariposa looked in my direction. After a moment, she smiled as if she had been expecting me. “Well?” She gestured to the empty spot next to her and eased back into her chair.
Natlaie had made up my mind for me, as it seemed she always had. As at our first meeting, she still reminded me of a young Elizabeth Taylor. Since nothing profound or even the least bit cool came to mind, I said, “This is quite a coincidence.”
“Howdy, stranger. I saved a seat for you.” Again the smile. “For three years.”
William Blake
Or, the visionary poet might have said, in a drop of water, suspended in time on its course between underground springs and the great river which is its destiny.
for more Blake
Iargo Springs, Michigan
Au Sable River, Michigan
