I received the following challenge to write a few first lines of the book I am working one, from local Author Anne Moorehouse. Enjoy. It’s the third family to be introduced in the continued story following on from Dan and Charlotte’s.
The Fortune Seekers – Power and Authority.
The Poylle family (fictitious surname)
Life has had its ups and downs most of my life, what with cholera and influenza striking our families. My father was getting on, (aged forty -three years), and this was the year when everything began going wrong.
He had suggested that the public holiday was a good time to visit my oldest brother in Stanwell Village. It’s always a challenge bringing his large family of children together. There had been eleven of us, but some had died of various illnesses.
‘There won’t be more,’ my mother informed me. She is now past child bearing age. She said, ‘About time too.’
My mothers’ expressed wisdom shared with her daughters focused on the lot of women. Telling us about acceptance. ‘We live in a male dominated world. It always has been, and probably always will be. Woman and children are the silent majority in society. God put men above women.’
‘Why is this so?’I asked.
‘Eve was made from Adam’ rib, to be his help mate. We still have this position in society. Women exist to tend to man-kinds’ needs.’
I thought about this at the time. Wondering how as a young woman I can make a better life for myself. It didn’t seem fair that my brothers had the freedom and confidence to establish themselves. Whereas, I, as a young woman, believed I was invisible. Almost unworthy in comparison.
‘What advice do you give about men Ma, as one day I will marry?’
Being seventeen I was aware of the servant like expectation expected of me and my sisters.
Mother thought for a moment, and replied, ‘Choose wisely who you marry.’
‘Does a woman have a choice who she marries?’ I asked.
‘She has, if she keeps her wits about her.’
‘I intend to do just that.’ And, I thought I had.
When I look back, I realise I hadn’t at all.
Most of my problems began after I met Bill.
Anne and I received this encouraging Facebook followers’ comment below
– I find you both incredible story tellers…painting pictures with words…so talented.
(It warmed my heart to read this.)
Now, Check out Anne’s – She is the author of three novels, including a beautiful photograph book – Our Sunshine Coast.
The Mud-lark.
The heavy boot was aimed at the centre of Jake’s back. Had he not moved forward he would have been at best very badly bruised, at worst crippled for life. But move forward he did, so the cruel kick missed him and left his intoxicated father reeling, causing him to overbalance and fall flat on his back. Jake took his chance and kept moving. Out of the miserable house and on through the narrow crowded streets of London. He knew not where he was headed – just away; away from his ever-drunken vicious father. He had had enough.
Tears streamed down his cheeks and he wiped his dripping nose on his sleeve. His misery though was soon replaced by fury and with fury came a determination to find a new life. How he did not know but the determination was there. He wiped the tears from his cheeks and kept walking until he reached the river Thames and could go no further.
Photo – Anne Moorehouse and myself 2016
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