Mimique
by R J Dent
He stands on an unlit stage in a darkened theatre.
A single spotlight beams down, illuminating his whitened face and white-gloved hands. He is enacting the commedia dell'arte story of Harlequin and Columbine. He is playing both parts and he is now acting – miming – the scene in which Harlequin stands over the dead Columbine, wishing she could be alive once more. He clutches a tiny purple flower – an Aquilegia vulgaris – in his left hand. He sniffs the flower. A single tear trickles down his face, leaving a dark trail. When it dries, it will be a diamond.
At this moment, he – Harlequin – is full of sorrow. He loved Columbine dearly. Pantaloon has killed her. Later, Harlequin will lead Pantaloon into a monster's lair and the monster will eat Pantaloon. Harlequin doesn't know this yet – and even if he did, he would be – as he is – too overwhelmed with grief to consider revenge.
As he looks tenderly at the body of his beloved Columbine, his body sags – his posture becomes stooped – older-looking than it is. The tragedy is clear to behold on the white made-up face.
And then – without warning – Columbine stirs.
She is alive!
A huge smile spreads across Harlequin's face.
Columbine sits up, and then – at first a little unsteadily – she stands.
The two principal characters embrace, kiss and then look at each other with joy and longing.
How Harlequin wishes – at that moment – that he could speak.
© R J Dent (2006)
Mimique is being published in AWEN in March 2007
