String Theory

by Andrea Paul

He returned home only for a short while after many travels on the green string. He planned to relocate to another state, but during this brief window of time there was a party to attend. He was delighted to be back in San Francisco among friends, feeling fantastic and it showed.

She showed up at this party on the plum string feeling a little unsure, knowing only the host and the friend she brought with her. When the friend decided to leave early, she chose to stay.

Later in the evening, the red string led her over to him. He captured her attention with his interesting stories of recent travels, ancestors, poetry and ideas. They talked into the in the wee hours of the night. That was how it all began.

After the party, they spent time getting to know each other. Their attraction and interest blossomed. This changed his relocation plans and he stayed, as a pink string knitted their hearts closer.

As they grew fonder, the green string of travel hinted at their first trip abroad together. It was her long-time desire to visit Italy. However, numerous strings broke, wounding their country on September 11, 2001. Amidst black strings of fear and shock, a magenta string of urgency prevailed and they made their way to Italy.

Colliding strings in marble hues brought them to a poignant time comprised of ancient history, brilliant sculpture and fountains, delicious foods, and "Roman Holiday" moments. At one point, it was all too much. Standing in the place where she had dreamed of being her whole life, her emotions became unexpectedly tangled and tears escaped her eyes. He quietly held her and gazed out at the ancient city, under the darkening Roman sky.

Days later on silvery strings they beheld a magical Venice surrounded by the Grand Canal's thick green water. Crossing over many quaint bridges, gazing up at geraniums in flower boxes, and waltzing in San Marco Square, they concluded their stay with a gondola ride. Metallic strings sparkled with the experience, keeping their memories vivid.

As the 4th of July approached, the next summer revealed a trip to New York, where the tragedy had deeply struck. They hoped all the broken strings were beginning to mend. Thick yellow strings of summer permeated the air. Leisurely hours were spent in Central Park and Bryant Park. Somber moments were observed during visits to Ground Zero and the Jewish Holocaust Museum. Iridescent strings were calm over the river as they took the ferry to Staten Island and a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Strings flashed above bustling Times Square amidst the massive technological messages. They enjoyed all New York offered them in a few stretched-out summer days.

The following year, by combination of an indigo string of invitation and that attractive green string of travel, they were transported to Spain. He had the privilege of presenting his art at a prestigious museum in Madrid. They were enchanted by the history, art, architecture, and gardens, along with the privilege of attentive hosts. Their souls filled with the encompassing beauty of Madrid and sharing another adventure together.

Time seems to pass so quickly on the ruby strings of love. Today they have a cozy home in San Francisco, enjoy their life together, and continue to weave new patterns as strings move and change every day.

The Author

Andrea loves to write poetry, haiku, prose, devotions and letters. Travel, her faith community, volunteering with the elderly, and having plenty of flowers around are other sources that feed her soul. String Theory was inspired by her relationship with her sweetheart, George, whom she happily resides with in San Francisco.