"Dream Weaver" by Patricia M. D´Angelo

Dream Weaver gazed down upon the quaint little fishing village, watching as night’s deep blanket stretched across thatched roofs. Thoughts of beauty, kindness, sincerity, and love filled her… and she dreamed. Gathering all goodness and gentleness of the earth in a swirling, ethereal vapor, she wove her imaginings. At her release, they burst upon the dark heavens in all their sparkling glory… dream stars.

With the greatest care, she wove one more star, the same star she created every night, it’s luminance and splendor far greater than all the others. This dream spoke of her love for the Star Fisher.

Each night he came, plodding up the steep cliff, fishing pole in hand. He looked to the twinkling veil and found her face, serene and beautiful. Blessed he was, for only the eyes of a Star Fisher were destined to catch a glimpse of the astonishing creature.

He cast his line, pulling down shimmering stars for each inhabitant of his village. He dropped the glittering dreams into a simple reed basket, for the vessel mattered not. Even a bowl of hammered gold would not be worthy of the precious gifts.

On the final cast, his deep sigh caught up and mingled with the soft breeze that swept down the mountainside. He was reluctant to turn his eyes away. Yet he knew the villagers waited for his basket of dreams… mighty dreams… dreams to dispel the wandering nightmares that crouched on the outskirts of evening.

The walk down the mountainside always seemed to take longer, but he faithfully made the rounds to the quiet, simple  homes of the fishermen and their families. There was but one star left, and it shone brilliantly.

He clutched the treasure tightly, making the way to his humble abode… and then to his bedroom. Kneeling beside his cot, he slowly pulled a large wooden box from beneath its hiding place. Throwing open the chest, thousands of points of light split the darkness of his small room. Dreams undreamt beckoned, vibrating with their desires, begging to find fulfillment.

He knew of Dream Weaver’s love for him, but he was the only Star Fisher left in the region. The village could not do without him.

He placed a gentle kiss on the dream star, and with trembling fingers laid it atop the others. Ever so slowly he lowered the lid, a small tear slipping past his cheek. This night, as every night, he closed his heart to his dreams.