Folksburywoods Story Blog

“I remember the first time my grandfather took me to see them. I was so excited. “Angels,” he said. We were going to see angels,” Meeka remarked to her friends as they walked along the lake.

Each year since that time, the granddaughter of a watchmaker would ride the tram to Königssee to watch the Sky Angels pass on their way to the southern sea.

This year, her mother was ill and could not make the trip, but she insisted that she go. “After all, one day, it will be you looking down from up there at all the people below, my lovely angel,” said her mother.

“Mom was like that, half maple syrup and half sour cream,” Meeka told her friends. All nodded in agreement, having grown up in the same neighborhood.

Reaching the island, they set up camp, drinking hot cocoa with schnapps, eating black bread and mustard, and eating plenty of Limburger cheese. “Now we wait,” said Meeka.

Carla was the first to spot them. “Look to the right. Can you see them?” her friend excitedly said. The entire group turned in the direction Carla pointed to, and immediately, the group gasped with astonishment.

“Don’t forget to make your wishes so they can carry it to the gods,” Meeka said with a wry smile. Meeka wished the same wish each year, the one her grandfather taught her, “Frieden unter den Menschen.” Peace among Men.

As each angel glided past, the group would listen intently for the sounds of their flapping wings against the air and the slight hum their tails made as they directed the animal’s movements.

“Twelve, their numbers are dropping every year. I hear the authorities say they might not make it to the millennium,” said Meeka.

“What can we do, Meeka? Isn’t there anything?” asked her friend.

“I’m afraid not, Hans. Unfortunately, the damage is done. Their northern breeding grounds are all but destroyed. It’s only a matter of time before they vanish like so many wonders before them,” said Meeka.

Meeka started to pack up the picnic items while the others enjoyed the autumn air. For Meeka, this had always been part of her life, but it would soon be over. Like growing up and finding out Santa wasn’t real, you desperately want to hold on to them, but life conspires against you.