Page 9 - Spring By Any Other Name 2019

Spring 2019 Page 8

…My Ember Rose, With a wisp of red flames consuming him, I watchedas

Continued From Page 7. Polly disappeared into the sky and the rock slowly rolled over
my foot. I could feel the strength rising in my body, and with
much grace I grabbed the rock and hurled it through the thin
While the rock and I held eye contact, I heard footsteps emit layer of glass. With a sudden crash, the glass fell like thou-
from somewhere close behind me. Don’t move; you haven’t sands of tiny snowflakes, and my Lucille was free. I felt eyes
done anything. piercing the back of my skull without anyone being pres-
“Hello little king,” said the figure behind me. Some- ent. I was in too deep to quit, so I might as well gain some-
thing about his presence made me feel hot, as if the sun thing from it. I stepped over the smashed glass and reached
were riding in my back pocket. “ I know you don’t know me, through the window of the store with ease. My hands were
but my name is Polly. I’ve been watching you for quite some finally on her. Her smooth and pure body gave me a warmth
time, and I came to make you a deal.” “What kind of deal are that heated not only my heart, but my soul as well. We be-
we talking about?” I responded. My eyes still haven’t met came intertwined since we met; a bond stronger than the
Polly’s, for I was afraid to swivel my head even slightly. “That force that brought me to her in the first place. With one final
guitar should be yours, my son. That shop owner merely im- drag from my cigarette, I said my silent ciao to the rambunc-
prisoned it. Don’t you hear how she calls to you boy? All tious life I had lived for so long and pulled up my chair. I
she wants is you.” “But how could I get it? I’m just a boy. could have never imagined how bittersweet this day would
I can’t buy no seven hundred dollar guitar…” I responded be. It was the end of my glory, and as most people would
shyly. “Open your eyes young one; I’ve given you all the be, I wasn’t ready to give it up. But a deal is a deal, so I may
means you need to claim what’s yours. All things pleasur- as well enjoy my last show while it lasts. The end is near.
able must be earned, mustn’t they? Take my rock and smash The crowd roared my name one last time,
that window, and all of your and with a standing ovation I
aspirations will come true.” blushed with joy as all of my
“Why are you helping me? fans erupted with clapping
What did I do to deserve and shouting. I slumped
this?” “All life is precious my back into my chair and
son, and you have yet to ex- watched all of those faces
perience the true qualities smile and wave at me, just
of life. Look into my eyes, one last time. It was so sad
and I will give you all of to see them go; but they had
the things you desire. Your been loyal and always kind.
wildest dreams will become Without them, I would be
reality, and every pleasure nothing. Just another speck
on this green earth will be of dust inside the dirty cellar
at your fingertips. Just look of musicians. The crowd left
into my eyes and see…” one by one, and the lights
Without hesitation, slowly dimmed. I couldn’t
I stared blankly into Polly’s see much, but out in the
red and auspicious eyes. In stadium stood a familiar
that moment, my mind and and unwelcome face. His fi-
his were combined. This ery red figure began to walk
odd stranger was showing towards me. Please, just
me my future. The one I de- let me say goodbye. “Hello
served. I could see and feel my friend;” he croaked. “I’ve
the crowds calling my name. given you what’s yours, and
I could feel the weight of my now it’s time for you to give
cash pulling me out of this me what’s mine. It’s time old
small town, and my life be- friend; you knew this day
coming a fantasy. “Now do would come.” “Polly, I can’t.
you see boy? This is all a I’m not ready; please don’t
rock away…. The decision make me go.” “You know
is yours. I’ve given you my you don’t have a choice; a
option.” “But how will I know deal is a deal. Don’t make
when it’s all over? When (Above) Glassy Skies, Chris Raymond, Grade 11, Photography. this hard on yourself,
will I see you again?” I responded. “I’ll always be around
kiddo; just remember the name Polly. We will meet again.”
My Ember Rose, Continued on Page 10 ...