Merzan, the Destiny of an Artist

by Marc Blake

  They’re waiting,

  “I don’t know what it means.”

  They all react with chaos and disappointment.

  Vincent stops them, “But I know what it says.

  They all gasp!

  It reads: One day you will walk with me on my island, my prince.”

  Vincent gets very passive, “Ah! This sounds like a fairy tale.”

  Vincent wads up his translated paper and throws it on the table, then leaves the room.

  The family fights for the paper. It gets unwrinkled so they can investigate the translation. They don’t even consciously realize that Father just translated a Tahitian phrase of obscure dialect.

  While they are trying to put closure to this mystery, Father is peaking around the corner from the hall to get a look at their reactions.

  He smiles, rolls his eyes and nods his head knowing something they don’t know!

  Merzan’s eyes show us he is remembering Matahina speaking those very words to him in Tahitian at the flower stand in Paris. He hears her voice and visualizes the scene including the momentous kiss on the cheek.

  He hears the phrase again in English. Merzan realizes that Geneviève is reading the translation that Papa wrote out, “One day you will walk with me on my island, my prince.”

  That night, Merzan is sitting in his bed looking at the ticket. His finger is tracing the shapes of some of the items on it – pretending to draw. Geneviève is sitting on his bed. Merzan is also making light shapes and shadows with his hands from the bedside lamp.

  Geneviève asks him, “Will you go Merzan?”

  Merzan looks up at her but does not speak.

  Geneviève is very serious, “It’s your destiny Merzan.”

  Merzan looks at Geneviève again. He keeps his thoughts inward. He does not speak.

  Geneviève resorts to teasing, “Your Princess is calling for her Prince.”

  Merzan looks up at Geneviève and she jumps over to hug him – knowing she will miss him so.

  Geneviève is crying, “I don’t want you to go but you have to go. You have to go Merzan!

  Merzan is trying to hold back tears. Tightening his lips.

  Merzan questions her, “And what about this little princess?”

  Both of them get quietly emotional at the overwhelming idea that is presented.

  Geneviève pushes Merzan back from her, taking control and acting very strong in light of her own sadness. She puts her hands on his heart and leans into his face, closer.

  Sternly, “Merzan. Your Princess is calling for her Prince.”

  Merzan lets out a warm expression and Geneviève knows that he will accept his destiny.

  39 A Princess’s Prayer

  In Lily and Vincent’s bedroom, Lily opens the dialogue that includes quite a bit of new, unfinished family business.

  Lily begins, “Vincent?”

  Vincent is acting coy... but he already knows what’s next.

  “Oui, Lily.”

  “When did you learn to translate such a rare dialect of the Tahitian language?”

  Without hesitation he answers, “When I went into town for supplies of course!”

  Lily raises her head in question, “What are you saying?”

  “You heard me Lily, no?”

  “Vincent!” she reacts.

  Breaking character, Vincent hands Lily a letter that he received. He tells her, “Look at this, it will teach you how to translate Tahitian as well.”

  Lily opens a letter addressed to Vincent from the King of Mo’ore’a with a father to father explanation of how life in their home has become overwhelmingly sad by their love stricken Princess – moping around the island.

  Vincent finally admits, “Apparently there really is a princess and Merzan thinks he’s her prince!”

  “So you give your blessings for our son to travel to the other side of the world to... to chase love Vincent?”

  “I would have done the same for you Lily.”

  Lily blushes.

  “Oh Vincent.”

  He adds, “Apparently their daughter is a very sad princess without her prince. Besides, if a King and a Queen can be so humble as to write to us and explain these things to such a common family as ours, somehow I think Merzan will be safe. It seems that they have given their blessings to their young daughter,” amazed, “Imagine that, an actual princess! Who am I to argue with royalty, no?”

  Lily reflects, “... and this will make Merzan happy, no?”

  Lily remembers her question, “But, the translation?”

  Vincent provides clarity, “Yes, of course. That! There is a second letter inside. It’s from this... Merzan’s Princess.”

  Lily finds the letter, then reads it as if she is hearing Matahina’s voice.

  “My dear Monsieur and Madame L’Granaré. The Gods of my Island have spoken to me. When I studied at Lycée Michelet, destiny brought your son Merzan into my heart. I know now that going to Paris meant much more than an official visit for the business of State. On my Island of Mo’ore’a, when a man puts a beautiful flower into the hair of a young woman he is speaking to her from his heart. Merzan sees the world like no other. I see Merzan as I have seen no other man. He speaks to me with his eyes. They whisper his love for me and I am unable to hide mine. Because of this, I have spoken to him with a message in my native language. I said to him, “Ho’e mahana ’oe haere ma mi mai motu, Tauarii.” This means, “One day you will walk with me on my island, my Prince.” This was my prayer and I know this is what the Gods want for Merzan and me. Merzan is destined to deliver great beauty to the world with his work. I have watched him with his camera more than anyone else on earth. There is no place in the world more beautiful than Mo’ore’a. This is paradise. Merzan spoke to me about his childhood dreams sailing to paradise. I believe he already knew me in his dream. I know now that my destiny is to serve Merzan, to make his dreams come true. I will care for him. I will honor Merzan as my father the King, has honored my Mother, a French woman raised in Paris and surrounded by the greatest art in the world, who then came to Mo’ore’a. I will honor Merzan as my mother the Queen, has honored my father, the King of Mo’ore’a. I know we are young in years. Even so, the Gods have spoken to me and shown me the destiny Merzan and I are to fulfill. I beseech your blessings to trust this destiny and grant permission for your son to walk with me on my Island as I have walked with him in Paris.”

  It is signed, Matahina, Princess of Mo’ore’a.

  Lily is very melancholy, “Vincent, they are so young.”

  “They are young, Lily.”

  “Merzan is accepted to study at the Sorbonne in Paris, Vincent.”

  Vincent acknowledges, “They can teach him about the history of art like no other university in the world Lily.”

  Lily agrees, “One day he could become a professor and teach others in the University. He is so smart.”

  Vincent knows, “Something drives Merzan to create art. Maybe his work will become the topic of study at the Sorbonne.”

  40 A Journey Beyond a Child’s Imagination

  A few mornings later, Merzan is gathering what he needs for his trip. His mother enters his bedroom. Geneviève is sitting in the corner looking at the Polynesian brochure. She starts peaking over the top of the page, eavesdropping.

  Lily comes in to help, “Merzan, where is your suitcase? There is not that much time left for you to get ready to leave.”

  Stubborn Merzan says, “I have no suitcase.”

  Lily corrects him, “Of course you do Merzan.”

  “... but I will not bring a suitcase. Only my camera and the clothes on my back.”

  “Merzan, you have gone mad! You must have other clothes with you. And a jacket. Merzan, where is your jacket?”

  “Mother, I have been studying some of the Tahitian language and there is no word in Tahitian for jacket.”

  Lily strongly takes control, “Merzan! Now you listen to me. I will get your suitcase.”

  “Mother. I am
starting a new life in a new world. This world will have customs that are different than anything we know. I am bringing nothing with me but my camera and the clothes on my back. Everything I need will be provided for me by the Gods.”

  “And will the Gods brush your teeth for you as well?”

  Merzan laughs and shows his mother a small hand-carried bag with a few personal belongings. He displays his toothbrush and a comb.

  Lily heads toward his doorway defeated by his stubbornness.

  Merzan adds to the conversation as she leaves the room... speaking louder, “Mother! I will be fine.”

  From the other room Lily says, “There is one more thing Merzan.”

  Geneviève pulls the brochure to the bottom half of her face and her eyes open as big as they can get. She lowers her eyebrows with curiosity, then has an “ah ha” moment. Merzan acknowledges her facial gestures with a returned expression as if to say, “what now?”

  Lily re-enters Merzan’s room carrying a small velvet pouch with a gold drawstring.

  “Then take this too, at least.”

  “What is this Mother?”

  Merzan accepts it as Lily places it in his hand. She caresses his hand with both of hers while they continue.

  “What is in here Mother?”

  “Merzan, do not open this. Just take it with you on this journey from your dreams.”

  “What am I to do with this Mother?”

  “Geneviève and I have talked about this. It is for your Princess.”

  Merzan looks at Geneviève and she gives him a nod of approval.

  “Then I will give it to Matahina...”

  Lily stops him, “No! Not until the time is right.”

  “How will I know when the time is right Mother?”

  Geneviève is watching the exchange of words, her head still, half hidden by the brochure. Her eyes are darting from the two of them, to the pouch and back like the eyes of a stadium full of spectators watching a tennis match.

  Lily tells Merzan, “ you will know when the time is right.”

  Merzan pries for an exact instruction, “... but Mother, how will I...”

  “Merzan, you will know!”

  Lily smiles and kisses his forehead. They collapse into a loving mother and son hug.

  Geneviève reacts with a facial expression that says, “ohhh how sweet.”

  The family escorts Merzan to the airport in Paris for his international flight. Geneviève is waving good-bye to her brother. She stands there with her parents, Merzan waves back through the large airplane’s small window. Geneviève thinks to herself, “He is gone.” In the next moment Geneviève thinks about this destiny and imagines there must be more to this than she can understand or make sense of. She reminds herself of the words she spoke to her brother, “Your Princess is calling for her Prince.” Geneviève cocks her head a bit and a sad, loving, tearful look on her face changes to that of her youthful, adventurous spirit.

  41 Can Someone Guide Me?

  The planes takes off and flies away toward a new world, landing a half-day later in Tahiti. It was an all night flight.

  It’s early in the morning in Pape’ete. Merzan finds his way to the docks. He approaches a native dock worker.

  “Excuse me. Which is the ferry to Mo’ore’a?”

  The dock worker does not speak Merzan’s language and simply looks back at Merzan unable to understand the question.

  Merzan shows him the ferry pass (ticket) and points to it hoping that will get his question answered. The worker reacts with a friendly laugh, getting it now. He slaps Merzan’s shoulder in a friendly, confirming manner and points Merzan to a boat just down the dock.

  Merzan walks over to that boat and sees a large man, who appears to be in charge.

  “Excuse me. Bonjour, er’ good morning...”

  Merzan tests his limited knowledge of Tahitian from his self-study while he was preparing for this adventure.

  He tries out, “Ia ora na ’oe.”

  It’s Captain Bell he has stumbled upon. The captain responds, “Ia ora na ’oe. Maita’i oe?”

  Merzan apologizes, “I’m sorry. I do not know many phrases in the Tahitian language.”

  Captain Bell clears his throat as he tends to do.

  “Then the Gods have blessed you on this special morning if you have a pass to travel on my boat.” He adds with a jolly laugh, “We will speak in a language that you can understand.”

  Merzan, feeling some relief, explains that he has a pass for Mo’ore’a but is not certain which boat this ticket is for. Merzan shows his ticket to Captain Bell.

  “Well you have the right boat young man and I can see by your camera that you are ready for a wonderful tour of the island today. Please get on board and find a seat with the other tourists.”

  Merzan is a bit defensive, “Merci, thank you, but I am not a tourist.”

  Captain Bell plays along and includes some friendly sarcasm, “Oh, of course, then perhaps you are the Ambassador from Paris.”

  He laughs so loud it gains the attention of others nearby.

  “Then please Monsieur Ambassador, take a seat in the front, just next to the helm where I can personally see to your every need!”

  Merzan is a little confused by the unexpected humor and not sure how to respond. Captain Bell turns away tending to his boat lines while other tourists are boarding on their own.

  Merzan speaks to the Captain, whose back is now facing Merzan. Politely, “I think I have been sent for by the Princess to...”

  Captain Bell snaps around with the speed of a young fit athlete. This stops Merzan mid-statement. Captain Bell verifies, with urgency, “Matahina?”

  Merzan asks, “Do you know her?”

  Captain Bell is all business now, “Let me see your ticket Monsieur Ambassador.”

  Merzan hands him the ticket again and Captain Bell keys in on the name printed across the top, “Merzan L’Granaré.” Captain Bell holds the ticket and freezes in his place. He stares at Merzan without a word – dumbfounded by Merzan’s presence. The longest time passes in suspended silence. Finally, Merzan, nervous from this episode, breaks the silence.

  “Sir, is there some problem?”

  Captain Bell grabs Merzan. He wraps both of his huge arms and hands around him and draws him into his large belly and chest. He gives Merzan an inescapable bear hug – and doesn’t let go.

  Captain Bell announces, “The Gods have spoken. Destiny has delivered you to us here today.”

  Merzan’s face is being squashed into Captain Bell’s chest. Merzan politely struggles to get free. Then Captain Bell realizes that his enthusiastic behavior has overwhelmed young Merzan. He lets go of Merzan. Then the Captain drops to a knee and bows as if Merzan is a member of the well-loved Royal family.

  Merzan’s eyes grow wide. Rather shocked, he just stands there, motionless.

  By now, the tourists on and off the boat have taken their cameras out and begin snapping away, not even certain what is going on. It just seems important to them.

  Captain Bell adds to his announcements, “Ladies and gentlemen. Today is a historical day in paradise. We have received Merzan, Artiste de la Photographie from Paris arrived here by special invitation of the King and Queen of Mo’ore’a.

  Merzan says to himself under his breath, “King and Queen?”

  Merzan reacts thinking that it is not Matahina, but the King and Queen who have sent for him. He’s unclear. For reasons undisclosed, Merzan’s parents did not show him the personal letter Matahina wrote to them. Perhaps they felt that he should experience, on his own, every part of the journey that love delivers. None the less, knowing he was sent for by the King and Queen leaves him feeling somewhat insecure.

  Captain Bell stands up while making his announcement and gives one more very obvious bow of respect, taking off his cap and touching it to his chest. Merzan stands there, very still. His eyes still open wide in light of the shock he’s experiencing from this unwanted and completely unexpected attention
.

  Nervous energy causes Merzan to awkwardly salute to the Captain as if this is the appropriate response from one being adorned. Before Merzan can recover from all of this to board the ferry, Captain Bell grabs him again, bear hugs him harder, then kisses Merzan’s face on both cheeks. Merzan politely wipes away the sweat from the Captain’s intimacy.

  Merzan can only confirm, shyly, “Then this is the ferry to Mo’ore’a?”

  Captain Bell confirms, “Yes! Oui! ’E! I am Captain Bell and I welcome you to step aboard this vessel, my Artiste.”

  He bows again.

  Merzan thanks the captain and cautiously inquires, “Captain Bell. So, you do know of the Princess Matahina?”

  Captain Bell explains, “I can answer you in this way master artiste Merzan.”

  He puts his left hand to his own right shoulder, “On too many occasions, this is where her Royal Highness has left her tears of emptiness, speaking of a far away prince. She prayed to the Gods to bring him here so that one day they would walk together on her Island.”

  “Then you do know her!”

  Captain Bell embellishes, “I stood with all the villagers of Mo’ore’a when she was first presented by the King and Queen. She was born during the Festival of Abundance.”

  Captain Bell takes off his hat and looks up to the heavens. Emotionally he recites, “For more than 17 years I have seen her run on the sand. I have watched Matahina find treasures of fruit and flowers on her Island to share with many tourists. I have seen Matahina draw the charm of many and keep herself pure from spoil waiting for her destiny...”

  Captain Bell leans in close to Merzan as if only his ears should hear the rest.

  He tells Merzan secretively, “... which is written in the stars, to guide her way.”

  Speaking louder for all to hear he adds, “It is said... that when Matahina opens her eyes each morning, this is what causes the sun to rise and illuminate the horizon with the magic light found only on Mo’ore’a. Matahina is the light of our people and the future Queen.”

  Secretively to Merzan once more, “... and I have seen a sailor from a far away land in her eyes. Their’s is a story of destiny. This is what the Gods have provided for her and for us. Come Merzan, I must deliver you.”