kristinawood.com ~ View topic

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

It's been six months since I had written anything fiction wise. At one time I was quite prolific, but things didn't work out so well in the last community I was a part of. My antics brought the ceiling down on me, I can blame no one but myself. I can be a hard man to deal with, it's a thing I've learned to live with.

Joining this new community has been hectic for me. I'm constantly terrified of enraging everyone and being cast out again. My sense of humor and comments are quite impulsive, but I mean no real harm.

You've given me the inspiration to write again. For that I can't thank you beautiful people enough. I've penned a short missive and an Irish folk song to accompany it. It details the day Ernest was forced to leave Britain for Italy.

It contains no characters other than Ernest and none of the wondrous Vanessa's creations grace it. It stands as an emotional stepping stone for understanding the miner from within.

The story and song lyrics are mine and were written by me. I'm happy for the chance to share it with you and I hope enjoy it.

--Chaos.

The Coldest Day of the Year

In my mind it still lingers,
That memory cold.
Of the day you broke my heart,
By your absence, oh lord.

In this world lies no safety,
For the hard working ones.
Oh the price we must pay,
To call ourselves men.

My mother’s tears flowin’
Like the cruel fallin’ rain.
From that day, old lord, I am prayin’ no more.

The mountains like tyrants,
Conceal our daily bread.
Twas just a child, I was
Whose hope poorly placed.

By your side he’s now standin’,
His labors long done.
The loss of his wisdom,
Twas the loss of my soul.

My mother’s tears flowin’
Like the cruel fallin’ rain.
From that day, old lord, I am prayin’ no more.

-----------------------------------

Upon bended knee, a lone laborer knelt before a crumbled statue of the Virgin Mary. Her countenance bore the weight of years, as dark stains, like the paths of a hundred tears, trailed down her cheeks. His clothes were worn and ragged and his fur still held innumerable granules of granite, shale and coal. The rat’s paws held a weathered, cotton cap with a grip like cold death. Though still young, all about him was an air that spoke of lost years, as if the soul had endured the hardships of a lifetime.

“Oh lord…” Ernest’s voice trembled slightly, as he struggled to maintain his composure. “Twice have I come to a new home and twice I need be leavin’ it. Today be the last day you and I can talk.”

The air within the pauper’s chapel carried a torrent of dust and dirt that swirled and spiraled like lost spirits in transit. The walls, once white-washed, now were faded and drab. The dozen pews were badly in need of repairs, as many leaned this way and that, their sturdiness failing over time. The overseers cared only for deadlines, not for mending a simple church.

“Me mother asked for sweet mercy…” The miner never raised his head as he spoke. “None came.”

Sunlight filtered softly through the stained windows on high, forcing the multitude of shadows to hide in the dingy corners. The luminance draped itself across his yellowed, woolen shirt like a glowing curtain of frayed silk. It was the only comfort the lonely chapel could provide to such a lost soul.

“I go to Italy, or else the dogs will get me like they did me Father.” Living dragged a calloused paw across his matted hair and sighed deeply. “Keep me mother and sisters safe in me absence. Ye owe me that much at least.”

Ernest stood and wiped a few errant tears from his dirty cheeks. Placing his father’s hat upon his head, he tugged the bill slightly downward to cover his pained features. Sliding his hands into the pockets of his filthy dungarees, he finally looked up to meet the stony gaze of the holy mother.

“Don’t give a care for me, luv, I can carry the load of ten men.” He placed a finger upon her chin as though comforting the woman. “As a mother, ye can understand what mine be goin’ through. Remind her I luv her and I’ll see her again someday.”

As he turned to leave, Ernest couldn’t help but feel a familiar presence. Amongst the rafters, a single bird sat and watched him silently. Recollections of the fallen filled the rats mind, replenishing his heart, if only slightly. He doffed his hat to the lone spectator in the ceiling and pushed open the doors of the chapel.

“Goodbye Dad…”

---------------------------------------------------

From these sweet shores I travel,
To places unknown.
Will I be accepted
Or again turned away?

Even for one so strong,
To be alone is so hard.
Smilin’ don’t come easy,
But still need be done.

My mother’s tears flowin’
Like the cruel fallin’ rain.
From that day, old lord, I am prayin’ no more.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 648

Very strong prose... I'm glad I was able to take a moment to read this one!

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Thank You, good sir!

Very Happy

http://www.furaffinity.net/user/brigwyn/ · Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 04 Oct 2008 Posts: 2914

Something so strong and painful could have only come from the heart.
Thank you for sharing it.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Thank You for taking the time.

Embarassed

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 1606

That's very.....Depressing but good none the same.

Very nice, Thank you for sharing it Very Happy

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Thank You! Smile

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 3428

Good work. Man that is some tale.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 08 Oct 2008 Posts: 3273

Wow...That's beautiful.

Wonderful work you made there, Chaos. ^w^

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Drof, Lidia, thank you both for reading.

Very Happy

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 3428

Your welcome. I just wish i could still write like that... I have been getting slopy in my stories Embarassed

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 08 Oct 2008 Posts: 3273

Your Welcome :3. It really touch my heart.

http://www.furaffinity.net/user/vergil · Rank: Rookie Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 86

Wow. Very well done. From the heart, and full of strong symbolism. A+ work, amigo.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Thanks you guys, you're the best.

Very Happy

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

(bump)