Randy Suits

Prelude to Priscilla’s Dream from ‘Every Day’s a Holiday’

Eve, this is an excerpt from Chapter 2 of my book ‘Every Day’s a Holiday’

   “Jonah, is it bad?” asked Priscilla.

     “If the Lord is with you, everything will be all right honey.  Always remember that,” replied Jonah tenderly.

     This was his only response as he sought a way to change the subject before Priscilla could ask another question.

     “Priscilla, do you remember that song I taught you about ‘one precious moment with you’?”    “Yes, but I don’t feel like singing,” replied Priscilla sadly.

     “Honey, sometimes a song is the best way to defeat your troubles,” replied Jonah, “and now is one of those times. Sing with me.”

     Jonah started the first verse with gusto.

     ‘Sweeter than violets, kissed by the dew,

      Stroll through the hedge of roses, thinking of you.

      Fairer than spring time, newer than new,

      Grander than I can imagine is one precious moment with you.’

      Priscilla was caught up in the gay mood and liveliness of the song and picked up the tempo in the vigor of her youth.

     ‘Deep as the ocean, high as the sky,

      I’ve a peculiar notion; you are the reason why,

      I love each hour we wander through,

      Grander than I can imagine is one precious moment with you.’

     They sang the chorus and final verse together with zest.  Priscilla grabbed the old man by the arms and they spun around and around as they sang.

      ‘We stroll along, singing a song,

      Facing our fate together.

      Always we’ll be, happy and free,

      Laughing and fun forever.

      Blessing from heaven, angel divine,

      You came to bring me sunshine, I made you mine,

      Now and forever, I will be true,

      Grander than I can imagine is one precious moment with you.

      Grander than I can imagine is one precious moment with you.’

      Jonah collapsed on the ground, his energy spent as Priscilla jumped in glee and joy.  Both of them laughed in happiness while each caught their breath.  It seemed a miracle that Jonah in his uncomplicated and naive manner could bring happiness and vigor from Priscilla’s youth.  It   was only around Jonah that she felt at ease to be herself.  She could ask anything, act her age, have fun, and she even felt wanted as well as needed in the presence of the old sage. Heart reached out and touched heart as this uncommon couple chatted, and for a few brief moments Priscilla’s soul bathed in a refreshing drink of real communication.

     Disaster often strikes as soon as happiness arrives, and it is very likely to stay much longer.  Elizabeth had worried when Priscilla didn’t return.  She searched the house and the entire estate, last of all looking in the garden.  By the time she found Priscilla, she was in a fit of frenzy.  Finding the old man sitting and resting provided a good target at which to direct her aggression.

     “Priscilla Pomp,” she scolded, “I have searched this entire estate for you and of all places you’re in the flower garden with this second class citizen!  And as for you Mr. Wright,” she called his name both to belittle and embarrass him, “what are you doing sitting down on the job?  We pay you a very good wage for the work you do, and it’s very little that you do!  Further more, you know that this is specifically against the rules.  You’re always filling this child’s’ mind with wild ideas and you’ve been warned before!  This child is trouble enough without you confusing her.  I’m afraid I’m going to have to dismiss you permanently.  You are no longer wanted!  Please pick up your final check tomorrow afternoon.

You make every day a Holiday, Kochany