Soulmates

In September 2022 I took the plunge of signing myself up for a rhyming challenge.

A worldwide competition set by NYCMidnight.com to create a rhyming story with a maximum of 600 words.

I had written poetry before, but not in a story format and not with a strict deadline, so this was pushing me a little out of my comfort zone. At this point, I hadn't written a serious poem in years and I didn't even know which category I would be given.

Then the email arrived and the adrenaline kicked in! 8 days to write a rhyming story with a genre of 'romance', theme of 'temporary', and the emotion of 'motivated'.

Here is my submission about Joy and Joe finally accepting to themselves that they are meant to be together, but despite their attempts, the universe decides that it’s not the right time…yet.

Thank you for reading and I would love to know your thoughts.

Soulmates

Joy and Joe were lifelong friends, whose relationship grew stronger each year.

Unbeknownst to them, they couldn’t see their future becoming clear.

They both had busy lives, though they stole moments of time together.

Inspired to enjoy every second, each one feeling as light as a feather.

Neither of the friends was inclined to admit it to the other,

That they had a natural connection, though improper to take it further.

It may well spoil what they had, as they loved each other dearly.

If they became more than friends, would it hurt them both severely?

One evening they were driven, to go out and enjoy a meal.

Good food, good drinks, and company; the connection became unreal.

They laughed, giggled, smiled, and flirted; the evening was a hit.

When they were walking home, Joy felt electricity transmit.

She felt the tension grow higher, not knowing if Joe conceded.

Walking arm in arm together, her instincts became more heeded.

They arrived at her doorway, to say thank you and goodnight.

A brief and enjoyable evening, each feeling twice their height.

A fleeting embrace later, as Joy began to pull away,

The universe pushed her on her back; to listen and obey. Their lips met instantly - a magnetised, movie kiss.

The earth halted spinning: this was freedom, eternal bliss!

Nothing around them mattered, everything had become a blur.

All they saw in each other’s eyes, were soul connoisseurs.

Aroused by the connection, that their spirits were entwined.

They knew they were destined together; their future was defined.

Respectfully, they parted ways, though spoke on the phone all night.

Sharing mysteries, stories, and anecdotes, everything seemed so right.

The time had come for Joy to take a work trip to central France.

She packed her bags and regretfully, had to pause their short romance.

But Joe had other ideas, as Joy boarded her morning flight.

If he managed to book another plane, he could be in France by night.

Joy had endured a long hard day and went back to her hotel.

A room service waiter knocked, “Your food, Mademoiselle.”

Afterward whilst relaxing, another knock came on her door.

Rolling wearily off the bed, Joy wandered over to explore.

Opening the door slowly, she saw Joe’s wide smiling face.

Butterflies soaring, their eyes met, and they unflinchingly embraced.

Lifting Joy high off the ground, Joe carried her into the room.

Energised, they passionately kissed, and their romance was resumed.

Well into the early hours, they giggled and spoke their minds,

Until slumber slowly took over them, and they drifted off, entwined.

As sunshine broke through the window; Joy woke to loving eyes,

Admiring her as she slept, ensuing even more butterflies.

Kissing her gently, Joe said, “I must fly home today.”

Surprised and disappointed, Joy wanted him to stay.

A tear welling in her eye she announced, “I’ve been offered a job.

They’d like me to move to Paris.” Her entire body began to sob.

Joe had mixed emotions; he was happy but also sad.

Galvanised by his love for her, he was grateful for what they’d had.

Shedding many a tear that day, their embrace seemed to last forever.

Their love would stand the test of time; that they would endeavour.

“I love you,” whispered Joe, looking deep into Joy’s blue eyes.

“I love you too, I always have!” came Joy’s emotional reply.

(Fiona Lowry)

(Image with grateful thanks to Alejandra Quiroz on Unsplash)

There were 3,186 writers participating in 88 groups with approximately 36 writers per group, so to have achieved 7th place within my group was an incredibly humbling experience. The judges were very kind with their words of encouragement also, which has emboldened me to continue with what I love:

- "You get a full sense of Joy and Joe's connection. It's established through their friendship, their romance, and Joe's trip to France. Each beat ups the stakes of their love."

- "Expressive and lively characters; chemistry is radiant. Dialogue is well done and doesn't seem strained or forced as far as rhyme. Diction elevates the piece."

Thank you for reading this blog, I am so grateful, though the reason I write it now is to encourage you all to take a step out of your comfort zone. Choose something you would love to do and just go for it. What's holding you back?