Passing Words: Bondi Beach Victims and Survivors

The water turned to light as if the sun itself was rising up from the depths to greet them. Figures rose and sank on the glittering foam (barely solid), their arms raised and waving. "Shalom shalom!" the voices said, each and every one a note of pure joy - of welcome and of peace. "Shalom shalom!" they answered, spirits rising to meet them and reaching out to eager embraces and mysteries beyond the grasp of meager carbon. The living blinked and turned their eyes away, having noticed a change in the light also; many wondered (some with resignation, some with tears and agony) if they would come to understand it presently. And the world turned as it was wont to do, some holding on and some letting go, the danger and the darkness dissolving into blessed memory and perfect peace. "Shalom shalom," the light repeated to all who would hear.