The Postlude is now finally posted, bringing this tale; this dialogue of remembrance, recollection and resourcement to a denouement; not a final end, but one of those moments when a transition or some kind of shift is sensed in one's being-in-becoming; in one's self and in relation to significant others.
This last scene -- at the Wickersfeld Railroad, on the first day of its first full weekend of renewed operation -- is like the four friends themselves; who came back together after thirty years and have grown and become strong with one another; in love's reign--holding love's reins.
A quote that came to mind as I re-read the Postlude tonight just before posting are these words from the American Jewish Philosopher-Theologian Abraham Joshua Herschel (1907-1972) who said:
“The beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding that life without wonder is not worth living. What we lack is not a will to believe, but a will to wonder.”
As I wrote the story of these four friends over the last few years, I was cognizant of their openness to wonder, and I hope that the happiness they experienced in the moments of wonder expressed in this dialogue; in their own selves and in communion with each other -- shines herein; in this text--out of the journey that is theirs, and theirs alone. Only you as the reader can tell me if I have succeeded.
Theirs is a friendship at the soul level; it is -- I would characterize it as -- "True Friendship" in Aristotle's terms; which are explored by Octavia and her interlocutors in Act IV. Being "four souls in one; and one in four," these words from the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus (c. 54- 480 BCE) came to mind tonight:
“You could not discover the limits of soul, not even if you travelled down every road. Such is the depth of its form.”
So mote it be! -- or Hurrahya! -- or Amen! _to that! It is a journey worth taking, I believe.
Sincerely, Montague Whitsel
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