Chapter 26
The night grew late,
and guests departed slowly,
leaving the deck quiet.
Clara walked to edge,
looking at Hudson River,
just like long ago.
The gentle evening wind,
blew off the water,
cooling her soft skin.
The massive cargo vessels,
slid fluidly through deep,
harbor lanes below her.
Each ship carried flags,
of the Sterling-Dupont group,
their engines a low,
comforting rumble against skyline.
She smiled a warm,
genuine expression that held,
no malice or pain.
Only the unlimited freedom,
of the horizon ahead,
stretching out forever into,
the dark starry night.
She had broken chains,
defeated all her enemies,
and built global peace.
She was the architect,
the ruler the legend,
standing tall on feet.
Henri walked out quietly,
putting a warm shawl,
over her old shoulders.
"Are you coming inside,
my beautiful lovely queen?"
he asked with affection.
"In a moment dear,"
she whispered back sweetly,
leaning against his chest.
She took one last,
look at clear water,
reflecting the bright stars.
The tide rolled in,
under a sky full,
of endless cosmic beauty.
Everything was completely perfect,
the long journey done,
the water was clear,
and she was finally,
truly and absolutely free,
May you like
resting in the light,
of her eternal love.
