Knight-Light

“Knight-Light”

  One “knight-light” evening on the Ponderosa, my dad and I chose “First Knight” as our movie delight.  “Want to watch ‘First Knight, Dad?” I said with enjoyment.  I loved romance movies, I mean, what girl doesn’t?  My dad loved all types of movies from romance to action and adventure.  Yes! My dad liked romance!  He was a whimsical, romantic soul.  His pure heart was my mom’s, and my mom’s alone.  My dad’s dapper 1940’s soul flowed into his talk. With suit and tie and his hair slicked back, he resembled Clark Gable.  His stride took on noble Ben Cartwright from “Bonanza”.  My dad was my movie buddy, my “escape the world for two hours” comrade.

My dad and I rarely talked during a movie.  He would be so enthralled, that you’d have to call his name over 10 times to get his mighty attention.  “Dad, dad, dad…”  He finally uttered loudly, “What?”  I’d sometimes look over at my bearded daddy to see if he was awake.  I’d ask faintly, “Dad, are you awake?”  His eyes were barely open, squinting, peering at the brightness.  He’d lightly say, “Yeah.”  I wanted to make sure my “flick side-kick” was seated at the “round table” with me.  I wanted to make sure we were trotting through the gate, dismounting on the streets of Camelot.  We were both on a journey with King Arthur and Lancelot leading the brigade.

The stars now dangled outside the sliding door window a top the roof.  The moon slightly placed just under the Southern-made porch.  Our eyes still open, but tarrying footsteps through the Ponderosa coming to a close.  “First Knight” was at a pinnacle climax.  Guinevere arrives in Camelot on a blackened royal night.  The carriage arrives with elegant lady.  The door gently opens to her sovereign destiny.  Her eyes are lit with torches leading to her stately king.  Brave knights lined on left and right, welcoming her grace.  King Arthur and Guinevere meet, bonds of fondness are made.  Fairness sifts through the smoke.  “I want that for you one day, Brandy.” My dad said with aspiration.  What a revering notation to the loving daydream he wanted for my life.  These words that poised over living room gave me hope in sought soulmate.  What tenderness for a daughter on a “Knight-light” movie night.