The
following is an excerpt from my second novel (ebook), titled “Voices” – a work
of contemporary fiction (mystery, suspense, romance); with an accompanying love
poem, titled and connected to two main characters, “Rosalie and Michael (One Special Day)”. (Creating a relatable poem
directly connected to your work of fiction, is simply a summarization of your
work with a twist of emotion through a symphony of words.)
…Michael,
sensing a deep mournfulness in the air by the heaviness of his conversation
with Rosalie, chose to change the subject.
So he blurted out, “Well open your mail!
Edgar and I went out of our way to get it for you.” Rosalie smiled and proceeded to open the
white envelope… she took a look at the return address and noticed that it was
from one of her publishers. As she read
in silence, Michael studied her face for the smallest clue as to what was in
that letter. After another minute of
silence, Rosalie jumped to her feet and said, “They want to meet with me
Michael! They like the manuscript on my
last submission – the mystery novel! The
one about the two friends who lived in the Victorian mansion! My God, they want to discuss the manuscript
with me!” Michael responded, “You go
girl!” Then he lifted Rosalie up in his
arms and twirled her around the living room as if they were dancing. They were laughing like children, overjoyed
at Rosalie’s success. Edgar joined in
too by jumping up and down, circling around and in between Rosalie and Michael,
wagging his tail uncontrollably. Edgar
had no idea what they were so happy about, but he was thrilled to share this
moment with them. When they decided it
was time to settle down, they breathlessly plopped themselves on the sofa and
wallowed in Rosalie’s newfound bliss.
Rosalie was ecstatic, Michael was proud, and sweet Edgar ran off to
sleep…Michael went into the kitchen and grabbed two champagne glasses, then
walked over to the pantry and took out a bottle of sparkling wine. He popped the cork, poured the wine, and
shared this moment of love and success with Rosalie. Their eyes were beaming and their hearts were
pounding as they tapped their glasses together, sipping their wine in
merriment.
While
sharing this moment, Rosalie suggested to Michael that if her book sells, maybe
they should consider moving into a larger apartment in the city. They both adored Greenwich Village…Michael
loved the idea. He commented that with
her success on mystery novels and his success with children’s books, he can’t
imagine them not taking the opportunity to start a new life with Edgar in the
Village. The city is just waiting for
them, and they would fit in so well with the “artsy” types; and Edgar would
make friends with all the “artsy” dogs.
They both shared a laugh. Then
Michael grabbed Rosalie’s hand and said, “Seriously though Rosalie, let’s not
get ahead of ourselves now. One step at
a time. I love the idea, but we have to
take this one step at a time.” Rosalie
jumped into Michael’s lap and said, “We can dream and we can plan, can’t we
Michael?” Michael responded, “Of course
we can. That will be our dream and that
will be our plan Rosalie.” So again they
tapped their glasses and sipped more wine in merriment.
…Then
Rosalie had another brainstorm to share with Michael. She suggested that they both put their heads
together, share their thoughts and write a novel. Michael listened curiously as Rosalie
continued. Rosalie thought they should
turn their ordeal about Maria and the cellar into a mystery novel and call it
“Voices”. She added that it would be
fiction based on real life events, which they experienced during this tragic
episode in their lives. She went on to
say that it would be their project, and their story, and they could tell it
honestly and respectfully.
At
first Michael thought that reliving those horrible events that Rosalie had to
endure, all over again in order to write this novel, might not be the best
thing for Rosalie. Rosalie responded
that it would be the best thing ever. It
would be the best therapy ever. She
explained that writing is her passion, and what better way to heal than to put
it all down on paper – with Michael by her side. She said, “You’re a writer Michael. You should understand that better than
anyone. We write from experience.” Michael just shook his head and said,
“You’re a brave woman Rosalie, and an awesome writer. Yes, we can do this together. It will be my honor…Now let’s seal this
perfect plan, together, in the comfort of ‘our’ room before little Edgar wakes
up.”
Rosalie
wrapped her legs around Michael, as he carried her off to his bedroom, where
they would define their dreams, plan their future, and create new and wonderful
memories while frolicking under the pale blue bed sheets on Michael’s bed. They would find themselves making passionate
love in an endless tale that would soon become their life story.
Rosalie and Michael (One Special
Day)
As Winter
snow settles upon my windowsill
and Spring showers caress my face
As Summer sun
ignites my spirit
and Autumn breezes whisper tales of love
As swaying
trees whisper to the winds
and frolic in the clear, crisp air
I will hear
Mother Nature’s voice,
as she wisely speaks to me
(It is then that I will listen
and forever think of you)
I’ll know
God placed you on this earth
so our paths may cross but once
And the
birds and butterflies will dance for us
in sunshine and in clouds
The children
will laugh with innocence
The elders will stroll with joy
I will hear
God’s voice in the shadows,
as he wisely speaks to me
(It is then that I will listen
and
forever think of you)
Since all will
be well within my world
Where peace and love wear smiles
I will accept
the gift allowed me
and embrace the signs of you
Because
today we will get to share
one gift that has a voice
A gift that wisely
speaks to us,
So elegantly wrapped for two -
Hidden in a blessing, on this “One Special Day” –
(It is then that I will listen
and
forever think of you)
Authors Note (For
Spillwords) – Fiction and Poetry go hand in hand. Any work of fiction can be connected/accentuated
by a poem of similar theme and emotion. Hopefully, that is what this piece has
accomplished.
