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• TITLE: Edward's Opus | Previous Challenge Entry
  By Rachel Phelps
  06/03/10
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Pristine pages in a pile
On the vast and gleaming desk
Nervous author sans a smile
His opus – Hemingway-esque

The Editor leaned forward
And approved the title page
“Of the life and times of Edward -
seventeen years of age.”

“You’ll see it’s got a brilliant plot –
All nice and perfectly paced…”
The Editor made simple jot
And a paragraph defaced.

“But, you have to understand just why
I put that in right there.
It’s the best choice – you can’t deny
And I even included a prayer.”

“Did you wait for an answer, dear child
Or just select “the best” alone?”
The Editor’s eyes were mild
But the author gave a groan.

He reached for the marked up paper
And squinted at red words
“But that’s impossible! That caper
Requires strength beyond Edward’s.”

“Ah, but you’re capable indeed, dear sir
If your trust in Me will extend
To an adventure even greater
Than any you may intend.”

The author returned the parchment
With a nod and fearful sigh
“Alright – I know You’re brilliant
And to not interfere I’ll try.”

The red pen flashed through another space
Changing locations, encounters, times
The author moaned and hid his face
“I thought this story was mine!”

The Editor pushed the pages aside
To meet his anguished gaze.
“Son, these changes I provide
Are at your choice, always.”

Oh, how the author struggled
Looking at his treasured book
Then gave it to be chiseled
With one last, soulful look

“Do it quickly, if you please,
And go straight through to the end.
I know you’ll make the journeys
Much better than what I penned.”

The Editor gave a chuckle
And put the red pen aside
“Your plot was good and truthful
And it’s a credit that you tried.

“But, Edward, son, your opus
Is unfolding as we speak
My edits are not painless
But will make your tale unique.”

And He gave the pile of pages
Back to the author with a smile.
“This will continue through the ages
We’ll edit it again in a while.”