Poetry Friday ~ There’s something wrong with Emma.

18 Jan

Hi, everyone! I hope you all have had a great start to the new year.

 

First, I have some news. I have a new short story available on Amazon titled, Memoir of a Mad Woman. Today’s poem (my first attempt at a Sonnet) was inspired by this story. Memoir of a Mad Woman is a fictional memoir loosely based on the case studies of a female Psychopath and it’s aimed at an 18+ audience.

Mystery and Attract are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.

*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.

Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.

emma-memoir of a mad woman-psychological thriller-vashti quiroz vega-vashti q-short story-amazon-suspense-new_book

I can’t compare you to another girl.

You are an enigma that frightens me.

In your gleaming eyes I see rough winds whirl,

yet your smile makes me wonder what you see.

In life alluring souls are born to shine,

and everyone dances in their sunlight.

Except you, because you plan her decline.

Perhaps she’s not what she seems in your sight?

You see things in ways that others cannot.

Crazy thoughts in your head are real to you,

but in the “real” world would be a long shot.

Your madness is a thing to look into.

So long as you can breathe, and crazy spurs,

you’ll sing a deadly song of gray to her.

“Emma had nothing to lose but her mind.”

Blurb:

A short story from the award-winning author of The Fall of Lilith and Son of the Serpent, Vashti Quiroz-Vega.

Who can explain how madness begins?

This is the story of Emma. Raised by a religious fanatic, orphaned at a young age and sent to a mental institution and an orphanage. Molested and betrayed by the people who should be watching over her…

Who can say that madness has no logic?

During a fight, Emma’s best friend punched her in the abdomen. Since then, Emma has believed there’s something damaged inside of her.

Every month… she bleeds.
She tries to fight it all her life, but the pain and the blood return twenty-eight days later… and the cycle begins again.

But Emma, even in her madness, knows how to take care of herself.
She knows how to make things right…

You may not agree…
But, who can reason with insanity?

Read this sad but fascinating tale and traverse the labyrinthine passages of madness.

memoir of a mad woman-Vashti Quiroz Vega-Vashti Q-Poetry_Friday-book_review-the writer next door

I would like to share a wonderful review written by Author, D.L. Finn.

“Memoir of a Mad Woman” is a short, but chilling read. You’re taken into the mind of a young girl, Emma, who had a very unstable upbringing. Emma ends up in an orphanage. This is where she’s finally pushed completely over the edge. It’s brutal and almost unthinkable what follows. The characters feel real, which makes it all the more terrifying in their cruelty. How Emma responds to what she considers a complete betrayal, you can’t help but to root for her and feel her pain. I thoroughly enjoyed this psychological thriller and felt like I understood her madness. I highly recommend this well-written dark short story.

 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Take care!

 

 

 

 

47 Responses to “Poetry Friday ~ There’s something wrong with Emma.”

  1. Priscilla Bettis January 18, 2019 at 4:29 pm #

    It’s a nice sonnet and a fantastic blurb!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 18, 2019 at 5:46 pm #

      Thank you, Priscilla! I’m so happy you enjoyed the poem and blurb. Thank you for the feedback on the blurb I’ve been wanting to know people’s thoughts on it, but haven’t heard much. ❤ xo

      Like

  2. olganm January 18, 2019 at 4:35 pm #

    It sounds like a gripping read. Congratulations and good luck, Vashti!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 18, 2019 at 5:47 pm #

      Thank you, Olga. Enjoy your weekend! ❤ xo

      Like

  3. Michelle Abbott (@MichelleAbbott4) January 18, 2019 at 4:36 pm #

    Ooh intriguing! I will have to get a copy of Memoir of a Mad Woman.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 18, 2019 at 5:48 pm #

      Yay! That would be awesome, Michelle. I’d love to know what you think of it. 😀 xo

      Like

  4. Kester James Finley January 18, 2019 at 4:54 pm #

    Sounds very interesting and I’m excited to dive into Memoir of a Mad Woman! Good job, V and I hope you have a great weekend. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 18, 2019 at 5:51 pm #

      Hi K! It’s a “Novelette”, so it isn’t the big book people are used to getting from me, but I hope it’s an entertaining short read. You have a wonderful weekend too, my friend! ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

  5. John W. Howell January 18, 2019 at 5:02 pm #

    Great review by Denise. Congratulations, Vashti.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Olga January 18, 2019 at 6:58 pm #

    Exploring the nature of madness is an intriguing journey in writing. The mind is a curious thing. These words struck me, “You see things in ways that others cannot.” A description of a mad-person, but also of a genius. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Vashti Q January 22, 2019 at 12:40 pm #

      That is very true. But there’s a saying, “There’s a thin line between genius and insanity.” 🙂 Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. coldhandboyack January 18, 2019 at 7:08 pm #

    Congratulations on your newest book. Hope it does well for you.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Annette Rochelle Aben January 18, 2019 at 7:21 pm #

    You never cease to amaze me! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Jill Weatherholt January 18, 2019 at 7:50 pm #

    Wow! What a cover! Congratulations, Vashti. I hope you’re continuing to feel better each day. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  10. robbiesinspiration January 19, 2019 at 12:12 am #

    This sounds fascinating, Vashti. You can’t reason with mental illness either. I bought this and will read it straight after Voyage of the Lanternfish.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 22, 2019 at 12:53 pm #

      Thank you very much, Robbie. Mental illness is something that is not taken very seriously here in the USA. It’s becoming a really big issue with people not getting the help they need for mental disorders. Although this is a short fiction, I’m hoping that it will at least make people think about the lack of empathy for people with mental illness in the world. 😀 xo

      Like

  11. Dorinda Duclos January 19, 2019 at 2:39 am #

    Your sonnet is beautiful. I just purchased your book. I look forward to reading it!! Best of luck, Vashti! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 22, 2019 at 12:55 pm #

      Thank you very much, Dorinda. I’m happy you enjoyed the sonnet and that you purchased the book. I hope you enjoy the story. ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Colleen Chesebro January 19, 2019 at 3:04 pm #

    Wow, Vashti! Congratulations on the book release. I haven’t added the Sonnet to the syllabic poetry choices because it’s really involved to write. All that iambic pentameter stuff. Way to difficult for our challenges. LOL! However, you did a lovely job. This book looks like a spooky read… ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 22, 2019 at 1:02 pm #

      I could have sworn it was on your list. I didn’t realize how involved it was until I began to write it. Phew! It’ll be a while before I attempt to write another one. I followed the Shakespeare pattern. The short story isn’t so much spooky as it is raw. It isn’t for the faint of heart, but to me it’s an important read because it brings to the forefront the lack of help and care for the mentally ill in the US. I’m glad you liked the poem. Thank you.
      ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

      • Colleen Chesebro January 22, 2019 at 1:47 pm #

        You’re brave, Vashti. I stuck with syllabic poetry because everyone can learn how to write those forms. Your poem was spectacular and your new novella looks fab!!

        Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 23, 2019 at 11:46 pm #

      Thank you. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Marje @ Kyrosmagica January 20, 2019 at 3:46 am #

    Now that sounds a very fascinating read. Great poetry too. Really enjoyed. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 22, 2019 at 1:04 pm #

      I’m happy you thought so, Marje. Thank you! 😀 xo

      Like

  14. Annika Perry January 20, 2019 at 6:26 am #

    Vashti, I wonderful and atmospheric sonnet … you nailed this format and a delight to read. Sonnets are not often attempted (I would never dare try) but a rewarding read. Wow, your short books sounds intense and incredible … I’m hooked by both the story blurb and the terrific review. For some reason I seem to be drawn to darker literature at the moment and have bought this to read soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 22, 2019 at 1:08 pm #

      Hi Annika! I didn’t realize how involved and difficult sonnets were to write. This poem took much more time to do than I wanted to spend, but once I start with something it’s difficult for me to quit on it. I’m happy the blurb worked on you and the review was terrific. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you very much. 😀 xo

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Natalie Ducey January 20, 2019 at 11:15 am #

    This is fabulous news, Vashti! The published story, amazing review, and captivating poem are gems to celebrate. Cheers to you! XO

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 22, 2019 at 1:11 pm #

      Thank you, Natalie! I thought of you while writing this poem, not because of the content but because of the complexity of it. I know you write free form poetry but your poems are intricate and masterfully written always. As always, I appreciate your kind words. ❤ xo

      Like

  16. markbierman January 20, 2019 at 11:30 am #

    All the best with your new release!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. merrildsmith January 21, 2019 at 8:38 am #

    Congratulations, Vashti!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. yvettemcalleiro January 21, 2019 at 5:29 pm #

    That cover is awesome! And the blurb is fantastic. Knowing your writing style, I’m sure the short story is going to be a hit! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  19. rijanjks January 22, 2019 at 10:44 am #

    What a fantastic sonnet, Vashti! I love the cover of the new story and just discovered it in the RRBC catalog. It’s on my radar!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 22, 2019 at 1:18 pm #

      Hi Jan! I’m so happy you enjoyed my sonnet. Oh yes, one of the first things I did after it was published was to submit a form to place it in the RRBC catalog. Thank you for having my short story on your radar! ❤ xo
      The cover was designed by The Book Khaleesi, Eeva Lancaster.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Robert Matthew Goldstein January 23, 2019 at 3:28 pm #

    You did a beautiful job with that sonnet! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q January 23, 2019 at 11:48 pm #

      Thank you very much, Robert. I worked really hard on it. I had no idea how complicated it could get when I decided to do it. 😀 xo

      Liked by 1 person

      • Robert Matthew Goldstein January 24, 2019 at 12:57 am #

        It takes real discipline to use a strict poetic form and make it work. Congratulations!

        Like

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Colleen’s 2019 #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge Recap No. 119, “Mystery & Attract” #SynonymsOnly – Colleen Chesebro ~ The Faery Whisperer - January 21, 2019

    […] There's Something Wrong with Emma #SonnetI can't compare you to another girl.You are an enigma that frightens me.In your eyes I see rough winds whirl,yet your smile makes me wonder what you see.In life alluring souls are born to shine,and everyone dances in their sunlight.Except you, because you plan her decline.Perhaps she's not what she seems in your sight?You see things in ways that others cannot.Crazy thoughts in your head are real to you,but in the "real" world would be a long shot.Your madness is a thing to look into.So long as you can breathe, and crazy spurs,you'll sing a deadly song of gray to her.Vashti Quiroz-Vega […]

    Liked by 1 person

If you comment you'll put a big smile on my face.