The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters of Love”. Each “letter” tells of love in one of its many forms from a separate point of view. Benicia is represented prominently in the letters because of Garrett’s deep fondness for the city of Benicia. He hopes readers see themselves or others they know in the letters because the concept of “Love” is universal.

Dear Mr. Garrett,
You’re a romantic. So am I.
I love the twilight in Benicia. I love looking out over the Carquinez Straits and the hills beyond at that time especially. As the seasons pass, I make sure I spend some time each evening looking out our front windows at the scene.
One evening the Straits are as calm as the top of our kitchen table. At other times whitecaps dot the surface. Quiet strength changes to a demonstration of power. It remains the same water.
The water sparkles with reflection of lights from the far shore, ships passing by, and barges moored and swinging at anchor.
The hills, green at one time and brown at another, once revealed deer to me, but my old eyes are failing. The deer are still there.
The day settles into the night. The birds have flown away from their dinner at the bird feeders. They’ve gone to their own homes after once again visiting ours. Some neighbors are coming home from work or school. It is a peaceful time.
The twilight is what is hopefully a calming time for everyone. It enfolds Benicia. Without the twilight there would be no night. Without the night there would be no day. Without the day there would be no twilight.
So many good memories with our home have come with twilight. One automobile or a number of them park at the curb. Family, friends, and other loved ones emerge. Our motion activated landscape lights come on. The way is lit for so many of those for whom we care to come to the gate, mount the stairs, and share a hug, conversation, and dinner.
I love twilight time in Benicia.
Rose

James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author of the following novels: “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” “Chief Salt,” and “One Great Season, 9-0!” He also compiled a three-volume work titled “The Golden Era: Benicia High School Football, The 1948 through 1960 Seasons, “A” History with Comments.”
He can be contacted at jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

Sharing is caring!