Green Shamrocks

It was a beautiful beginning of a brand new day. The sun was coming up and there was just a hint of a lovely rainbow from the morning rain. I’ve often wondered if the story about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow were true. Silly superstitions of Leprachauns sitting next to it simply protecting his golden fortune.

As I was getting ready to go out for my run, I gave some thought to checking out this old folk lore. What the heck, it would give me a reason to jog when all I wanted to do was go back to bed.

I arrived at Milborn State Park at 7:30 a.m. There were a few joggers already there. I began my run on the usual path I took.

The park was beautiful with the sun peeking through the trees and the birds chirping, one couldn’t ask for a more lovely morning.

I began my run with trot before picking up the pace, and as I looked around, something seemed different. “Off” you might say. It suddenly grew quiet. The birds stopped singing and the sun went behind the clouds. Up ahead, I saw a path that I never knew existed before. As I neared this path, I looked down and saw a bright golden light. What could it be, I thought. Curiosity got the better of me, and I turned down that path. It was remarkably lovely. There were many flowers the bright colors of the rainbow. Each flower had a a bit of a golden ray about it. Off this path were several other paths that I could choose, and the one I chose led me to a very brightly colored end of a rainbow. Somehow I got the feeling that no matter which path I chose, I would end up right here. I have never seen a more beautiful sight. There was no pot of gold, but the colors were stunning. I looked around and was waiting for a leprechaun to make his appearance, but nothing. Silly me! However, as I walked up to this magnificent rainbow, there appeared to be a doorway. What is this, I thought. My imagination took over, but my curiosity got the better of me. I looked around and saw no one. I thought, “Should I?” “Ohhh go ahead, it’s just the other side of the rainbow.” So I slowly walked through it, and when I got to the other side, my world had changed! Oh the beauty of it all! Colors so vivid. Large green trees, large flowers of all kinds, grass greener than green, and a small sign that read, “this way please.” I walked deeper into this forest, and saw a lovely blue pond, but next to that pond was a small house and to my shocking surprise, three unicorns. What???? Unicorns??? Have I died and gone to Heaven? The unicorns were drinking water from the blue pond. I made my way over and couldn’t resist petting one. She said, “Be gentle sweetie.” The others spoke as well saying, “Where did you come from.” My reply (and it seemed fitting) was, “Somewhere over the rainbow.” They all laughed as though they knew the meaning of my reply.

The three lovely creatures told me their names. One was Sparkle, the other was Misty and finally Clover, and I fell totally in love with them. When suddenly, to my surprise, a Leprechaun appeared. Very small in size, but such a happy little guy. He welcomed me to his home, and introduced himself as Jamie O’Malley. I shook his tiny little hand and suddenly felt exhilarated with happiness. As though he passed it right on to me. We spoke for the longest time. His world had been here forever (as well as him). He invited me to dinner, which I graciously accepted. On the table already was corn beef and cabbage, and the taste was like none I had ever tasted before. He told me all about his hometown in the forests of Killarney.

He asked if I would like to ride one of the unicorns. “YES,” I replied. I had my choice of the three, and happily chose Clover (because of the vine of four leaf clover that hung around his neck). He was stunning! We rode through glorious fields with nothing but green shamrocks. They seemed to have a golden glow about them and there were thousands. It felt very peaceful. As though I belonged here, but all good things must end. Before I got down from Clover, I put my arms around his white neck and gave him a big kiss, and thanked him for the best day ever. In his deep husky voice, he replied, “ You come back again next year, and I’ll be right here waiting.”
After thanking Jamie, I, once again, walked through the doorway in the rainbow and was home in a flash.

Today was St. Patrick’s Day, so I went to the local Irish Pub and had dinner. Corned Beef and Cabbage, of course! Through the corner of my eye, I swear I saw Jamie in a flash, and he was gone.

This story, I will only write about. I would never tell anyone of my visit over the rainbow. It was all mine to keep in my heart forever.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all.