Alone, I stand on the top level of the Eiffel Tower, gazing through a cyclone fence upon a city I have always dreamed of visiting. The strong breeze caresses my skin and I am grateful to have a small respite from the crowd of people who obviously have shared my dream.
Suddenly, a dark headed boy, about eight years old, appears. As I turn to see who has joined me, I watch the little boy quickly tuck his guilty hand back into his coat pocket. He is attempting to hide a small piece of paper that is begging to be set free. With a big smirk, he looks up at me and silently says, “I wasn't really going to do it.”
Without thinking, I whisper, “i won't tell.”
Upon hearing my words, a twinkle returns to the little boy's eyes. After a second of hesitation, the paper goes sailing from the little boy's hand. We watch the paper sprout invisible wings as it comes to life and dances in the wind. As I watch the paper magically sail away into the unknown, I wish that I could have attached myself to it. The paper looks so free and here I am, stuck behind a fence that keeps me safely confined to a spot I have already grown tired of.
The little boy breaks the spell that the flying paper has cast upon me. For the first time, I hear him speak out loud. “Wow! That went a lot farther than I thought it would!”
As I turn to respond to him, I see him dash away. The little girl in me is puzzled. Why are you leaving so quickly? Do you think I will tell on you? Are you tired of this game? The adult in me returns. I know the little boy is responding to the energetic tug of his nearby parents, calling him back into the safety of their arms.
I turn my eyes back toward the spot where I last saw the flying paper. Sadly, my vision can not recapture it. I know I will never see the flying paper or the little boy again. I stand there feeling empty for just a moment because I didn't get to tell either one of them good-bye.
I take solace in knowing that I was the only lucky person who got to watch that little boy throw a little piece of paper off of the Eiffel Tower. Oh how I loved sharing that experience with him!
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Text by Beverly Keaton Smith, Copyright 2009
Photos by Greg Smith, Copyright 2009
What an interesting thing to have happen, Bev. I love reading about your visit to the Eiffel and even more I love, love, love your wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Posted by: Barbie | July 29, 2009 at 05:44 PM
bravo!
Posted by: stacy wills | July 29, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Bev,
What a beautiful story and the photos were wonderful. when my daughter and I were there in 2004 we spent a lot of time near the Eiffel Tower but we never went up. Thanks for taking me on that journey today. It brings back fond memories.
Kate
Posted by: Kate Robertson | July 29, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Oh beautiful Paris...I just love that crazy, exciting city! A lovely story of fleeting moments and the gift that they are.
It looks like you're having an exciting year of travel...good to see you back online Beverly.
Posted by: Kate Iredale | July 30, 2009 at 12:44 AM
I loved reading this and love the way you write! What a great moment to experience.
Posted by: Anna | October 16, 2009 at 12:14 PM
hello
great post i like, thanks for share
regard
from www.rohfun.com/blog
Posted by: Rohfun | October 21, 2009 at 06:52 PM
I love the image of you sharing the flight of the paper with the little boy on the top of the tower...how free and beautiful. Good for you for recognizing the opportunity...your reward was getting to share in it.
blessings
Posted by: Monique | November 02, 2009 at 10:35 AM