eyes, to look up at the 8 X 10 framed picture on the wall above his computer,

still more tears were released. Emily was his life, the reason for his existence, and

yet, death took her one morning in the midst of a peaceful sleep.

 

He never had that moment to tell her how deeply she filled his heart with joy. She
was his inspiration for writing love songs, and throughout the years they spent at
each other's side, each new love song still made her blush. They both new he

would never cut a record; he'd never be heard on the radio. But still, she was

happy to sit on the porch swing and listen to the words sung which held such

a magical meaning for each of them.

 

When he finally could see her picture clearly, he saw the smile, that love swept
smile that told him through good times or bad, they would never be apart. Yet,
they were apart. On many a afternoon or evening he would go to the cemetery

where she rest, placing a yellow rose upon her headstone and sitting down on

the green grass. There he would tell her what he had been doing; or thinking,

and of course, how deeply he missed her! He also from time to time would

bring his guitar, and play for her one of several songs which were special to

Emily.

 

This was such a morning, and he parked his car in the space he always parked in,
got out and walked to her grave. He placed a yellow rose upon her headstone as
the sun was felt warm against his cheek. He sat down and laid his guitar beside
him. As time passed, he told Emily of things that had happened since he had last
visited her and of his plans to finally get the courage to send some of his songs
to a record label! Then he told her that he had finally finished writing his
newest song called, "The Ties That Bind Two Hearts"!

 

His tears had fell upon his guitar long before he had finished his song, and once
finished he spoke. "I know you would have loved it my darling, I know you

would of"! When he had composed himself, he stood and leaned over and kissed

her headstone softly. Tonight, I am going down to Millie’s Cafe darling; and I'm
going to sing this song to anyone who listens. I wish you could be there too"!
The songwriter turned, and slowly walked back to his car and drove away.

 

When his clock shown 7:15 PM; he drove down to Millie’s Cafe, just a small

town place where folks shared a good meal, and sometimes a song was sung.   

 Karaoke was on Friday night's but this was Monday! He arrived at the cafe at

7:25; and as he walked into Millie’s, many looked up, smiled and waved. At

7:45, stage lights came on, and Millie stepped out in her lavender dress with a

strand of white pearls around her neck. She told the group of 9 diners that he

was going to share with them my newest love song for Emily, and everyone began

to clap.

 

The songwriter wasn't shy, he had been here many times, and some people came

to the cafe especially on Monday evenings hoping he'd be singing. When he

stepped out onto the stage, everyone began to clap and cheer before a single

song was sung! You could see his eyes beaming with excitement, for the love in

his heart was matched by the sound of his voice and each word sung! He

looked across the tables, one by one from left to right, and said just one

sentence! "This song is for you Emily; I wish you were here to hear me sing it"!

 

As he sung verse by verse, he could see the smiles; he could see the tears
forming in each ladies eyes! He could see them squeeze their partner's hands
for the love he felt, was felt in each song. Just as he was almost finished
and nearing the last verse; he happened to look to his right, at an empty
table in the corner. To his surprise he saw a single yellow rose, and beside
the table, in the once empty chair sat Emily. She had a beautiful soft glow
surrounding her and there were tears of joy in her eyes.

 

As he finished that verse, and everyone began to clap, Emily picked up the rose,
and with her other hand, she waved good-bye, and she disappeared. The

songwriter didn't hear the cheering people who felt that he had sung the perfect

love song! He didn't see the standing ovation given to him, for the very first time!

All he heard was the soft soothing voice of Emily whispering "I love you so much

my darling,I will never forget your love for me"!

 

© 2006 Raymond Cook (All rights reserved)