…On Poetry and Fiction
“Voices” and “Rosalie and Michael (One Special Day)”
written by: Phyllis P. Colucci
@FictionTarot
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)”.
…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)
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
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. (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.)
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