The Poet of Gibraltar

We write of love from experience and our own bias subjective thoughts. What of love don't we know as writers? This very short story is a slice of that in some elusive way.

The Poet of Gibraltar 

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

     The early 17 century Spanish poet Miguel Andres Bermontez was mad.  He had lost himself in the words he wrote. A lover to the many muses that had occupied all corners of his thoughts.  To see this young Spaniard one could not help but become enamored and entranced by his comely youthful dark visage.  Both men and women alike found in him an allurement beguiling to the senses.   Was it the endless pools of verdant sage that seemed to sparkle at the sun's touch when staring in one's direction?  Or the thick long curled black mane that fell against his face seeking to suppress some of his beauty only to enhance it? Perhaps the high cheekbones and pristine set nose that lent to his features an androgynous aspect?  One could only speculate in wonderment why this tall young man captured their attention as if he were a divine sentinel sent to usher their souls into the afterlife.  For they always found themselves yearning to follow his lead.  But alas he was mad, and in his abject madness could only inspire infatuated lustful dreams.

     Matilde Cordero loved him, though she could not find it in her heart to utter the words. For she knew deep down inside to do so would be to surrender her very soul to the same madness that befell her lover's mind.  Even as she had watched her elder sister Claudia take affection for Miguel her love for him never wavered.  She had come to the realization that her passion would go unrequited for he belonged to no one but the world.

     "Come, Mati, this way..." the mere sound of his voice sent her heart aflutter and she was lost in him once more.  Death by a hundred thousand rose petals.

    "Slow down, Miguel, my legs are too short to...."

     "Ay, cariña, you would be lost without me." He said as he whisked her into his arms and carried her down the worn dark cobbled stone road toward the city square.  The bright sun held high above the heavens holding court among billowy fawning fluffs of white cumulus cotton.  It was a majestic view as the bustling plaza opened wide to travelers and spectators alike. The fountain with its marble winged angel greeted the people in welcoming gesture.  A cornucopia of scents filled the air ranging from flowery, to freshly baked, and even succulent cooked meats. 

     "Put me down, Miguel! Right this instant..." She clung to the white flowing shirt he wore and her face pressed firmly against his chest like a baby to its mother's breast.  "...don't you dare drop me.  You are so incorrigible!"

     "Ah, but you love me."

     "I most certainly do not.  You mistake my kind affections for the w****s who engage for your attention." She shot back, knowing it was a lie he easily read.

     "You wound me, cariña, am I not worth fighting for." A teasing smile passed his lips and once more she was smitten by angel wings.

     "I...I.." She stammered as she clung tighter to his chest.  "...you disgust me."

     "I know, Matilde, and that is why I am so very much in love with you. Because you could never be mine." His words were difficult to ascribe any intent toward. Did he mean them?  Or were they simply part of a long list of things said with no meaning behind.

     "I could." She whispered only loud enough for her to hear.

Author's Note

There is a deeper meaning in this short story I believe. Though as the writer my perspective would be biased. The two characters reflect tropes often associated with romantic genre fiction. Leaving this open ended felt right for the moment. Feel free to comment or leave your thoughts on this work.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

First & foremost let me say: MORE SHORT PROSE! I so much prefer your prose writing, even tho your poetry is also very striking & original. When I read your authors note, I get the feeling you are fishing for a certain response. I could not wrap my head around your characters representing a common trope of romantic fiction (which I typically hate). This is becuz your story is set in olden times when people didn't overcomplicate life, with love being shown freely & enthusiastically. If these characters were set in modern times, I might fault them for being too flat & predictable in a romantic way. But in an old-timey setting, I find such unabashed romanticism is more easily accepted. Either that, or I'm just full of romanticized crap (((HUGS)))

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I can't get nothing passed you because you're too perceptive and much too wise. The poem I wrote called Grace is actually part of this story and is written by the actual author who was Matilde. What was to be revealed was that Matilde is the poet of Gibraltar. What we know of the old times is that women were treated unfairly in the arts and frowned upon. Only many years later in a different world their art would gain better renown deservedly so. A brother to Miguel was to be introduced in the tale and shown to be in love with Matilde and the sister to her also thrown into the mix. Miguel was to be killed once the plot was revealed as to who the true poet was. And Matilde's life was to hang on a string as well with possibly Miguel's brother dying for her instead by claiming to be the mastermind behind all the deceit. I still was left with Matilde's fate and unsure what to do. Killing her of would definitely be shocking but it would also be lazy and misogynistic. Why should this remarkably talented young poet have to die for her art? Despite two brothers dying for her. Now since you yourself are a talented poet I am interested in your opinion. Should I be that "guy" and kill her off? Or has she suffered enough for her love of art and talent?

[barleygirl]

You are talking to the wrong person. I routinely kill off lovers in my stories & poems. I guess I must be a reverse-mysogynist (now what would that be?) I don't care about how a story comes across, I only care about how much fun I'm having while writing it. And killing off evil people is a blast. But killing off someone good, now that takes some literary courage . . .

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved the story Carlos.
"I...I.." She stammered as she clung tighter to his chest. "...you disgust me."
"I know, Matilde, and that is why I am so very much in love with you. Because you could never be mine." His words were difficult to ascribe any intent toward. Did he mean them? Or were they simply part of a long list of things said with no meaning behind.
"I could." She whispered only loud enough for her to hear."
The above lines I did like. My father told me often. Love and hate. A heartbeat apart. Thank you for sharing the outstanding tale.
Coyote

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you CP for your thoughts on this work. It's a snippet of a short story I'm still working out, but I so enjoyed this work. Sometimes in life we are drawn to love things that may be bad and self destructive. Yet we are so enamored by how bright they burn in our heart we're willing to accept the consequences. Thank you again my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend.

[Jasmin]

Nice short story. Is there more of it?

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Jasmin for your question. I haven't written anymore as of yet but there is more to the story. It's just in my mind currently. I feel this is more of a tragedy comedy love story but it is still playing out in my head. Thank you for your question.

[Jasmin]

No pressure Carlos. :)