Southend U3A

Writing for Fun

Silver Lady - Diane Silverston

June 2013

Marylyn was frightened. She was lonely and scared. She was in a tight huddle in her bed, feeling so small. The room was in darkness. Her body was shaking and her brain was pounding, teeming with painful thoughts and troubles. Where were her friends now, to help her?

She had spiralled down as low as she could, in a pit of despair, with no way back up. There was darkness and pain all around. Who would come and comfort her?

Marylyn was alone and frightened. How had it come to this? She was weary and tired, no strength left. Her eyes were filling with tears. Suddenly she could picture Geoff and hear his voice 'I will dry them all.'

Why had he gone? He should be here. At her side, taking her part. Times were hard, she was so down especially when evening came, and she was alone again, and her friends can't be found.

Then she felt him, there he was, bending and leaning over like a bridge, leading her from darkness into the light. She reached out for his out stretched hand, and felt a pull in her heart as a new hope blossomed.

Once again she felt Geoff's presence, right behind her, holding her up, supporting her, encouraging her forward. 'Come on girl, you can do it. You have to do it, for me, for yourself. I'm here beside you always.' His gentle voice echoed in her mind.

The stars in the sky were shining down as she looked out of the window, like a symbol of hope. Shining like small flickers of flames. She had needed a friend and he had come. Her mind began to ease, she was not alone.

As dawn crept through the curtained windows, a light caught the photo frame. Geoff was looking down at her. He was smiling into the eyes of his 'Silver Girl'.

She was no longer afraid. Geoff had been right.

Marylyn knew she could go on, even on her own. She could achieve her ambitions, and her dreams could be fulfilled.

Her time had come. Her time to shine.



Based upon 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' by Simon and Garfunkel

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind