Natalie's Next

The prompt for this essay I wrote this past term was “write about someone famous you have, or would like to meet.” And note, this is fiction, a figment of my imagination.

Arlington Cemetery in the middle of summer is sweltering. Except when it is storming, like it is now. My umbrella is poor shelter from the downpour. I find the gravestone I am looking for, and a nearby bench under a tree. I sit, contemplating the dark wet stone before me. It stands out against its neighbors, not only for its color.  It is newer than the others around it, with the Star of David, the seal of the Supreme Court, and the name Ruth Bader Ginsburg still sparkling against the black granite. The play of light and dark reminds me of RBG’s famous collars bright against her black judicial robe.

“You left too late, and far too early,” I say to her gravestone.

“I left exactly when I had to.”

I turn to find her sitting next to me.  She is in a black raincoat with a red embroidered blouse peeking out at the neckline, holding a small black umbrella in lace-gloved hands. I am struck by the aura of quiet strength emanating from such a small, fragile human being.

“You have questions.”

“I have so many questions, Justice Ginsburg.” 

“Call me Ruth.” Her hand touches the worn wood next to her. “This is a cemetery bench, not a judicial bench.”

“Okay, Ruth.” I bow my head and feel my shoulders slump. “I don’t know what to do, and I wish you were here to help.” 

“And, here I am. Let’s focus on your biggest question.”

“I am worried about the ultra conservatives.  Their Project 2025 is a roadmap to reverse everything you worked so hard for. My granddaughter is so smart and capable. I want her to live her life as she wants to, not as someone else tells her she must.  I want her to have children if she chooses, of course. Yet, there is so much more to living a fulfilled life. I am not sure how to protect her.” I can smell the lightning and hear thunder in the distance. The storm is far from over.

“We can only do what we can with the days we are given.” Her eyes are sad, and somehow also blazing behind her thick glasses. It feels like she is looking deep into my soul. I think about the people that faced these eyes in court and shivered a bit.  “I fought the battles I could, but the war is not yet over. You are one of the lucky ones. You know from your own life how things can be better for women, and for everyone, when we have the rights we deserve.”  She looked around at the silent gravestones around us. “These people died for something special.”

This is why she is persuasive. “Including you, Ruth.”

She smiles at me, her eyes twinkling.

“The answer to your question is right in front of you.  Carry on where I left off. Don’t ever give up. Your own experience is your biggest asset.”

“We do need to channel you, Ruth. You find common ground without compromising your principles, or your goals. You are strong in the face of adversity. And when needed, you…”

“Dissent!” 

The “Notorious RBG” finishes my sentence. She stands, pats my shoulder firmly, and slowly walks away. I watch her until she disappears into the mist.

Earth’s tears for Ruth Bader Ginsburg fall softly now.