The reflected firelight flickered across awestruck faces and mirrored in the eyes of those who listened as stories were told of yesterday’s indignities and tomorrow’s aspirations. The look in those yearning eyes spoke of hopes and dreams. The laughter heard around the fire conveyed a sense that somehow it would all work out. For a few short hours, on Saturday nights, in the deep woods of a place none of them had ever heard of before, the constant fear that lived within their hearts was banished from their lives.
In time, they would prevail. Their sons and daughters would one day stand straight and tall as proud Americans, as proud as their fathers had been to be Irish.
*****
We rode in under a cloudless, blue-vaulted sky that seemed to go on forever. I glanced toward the arroyo. Sunlight glistened off a dozen rifle barrels. The sight of those guns gave me hope. Maybe I’d live long enough to see Luke Short in prison. I’d sure hate to die in this scrub patch while Luke was down in Las Cruces, drinking and whoring it up.
Reblogged this on Nutsrok and commented:
Look what Andrew has been up to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the reblog, Linda.
LikeLike
I I see you time has been well- spent. Looking forward to this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The reflected firelight flickered across awestruck faces and mirrored in the eyes of those who listened as stories were told of yesterday’s indignities and tomorrow’s aspirations. The look in those yearning eyes spoke of hopes and dreams. The laughter heard around the fire conveyed a sense that somehow it would all work out. For a few short hours, on Saturday nights, in the deep woods of a place none of them had ever heard of before, the constant fear that lived within their hearts was banished from their lives.
In time, they would prevail. Their sons and daughters would one day stand straight and tall as proud Americans, as proud as their fathers had been to be Irish.
I thought I felt Mark Twain shiver . . . and every Irish man that ever had the good fortune to shed his blood under the billowing flag of his heartland!
Great excerpts Bill x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is good, Andrew. Really good. Talk about throwing out a fishing line and reeling in the reader…. you do that well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. It’s just too bad the book isn’t ready yet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know. But you’ll let us know when it’s available. Best to you, Andrew.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The majority of the content could be used as an excerpt Jennie . . . at least a half dozen sentences per chapter! It is as good as you say and more . . . methinks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it is, Andrew. 🙂 You have posted longer excerpts of the book before. I think they would be excellent reposts before the book comes out. Just sayin’. Best to you, Andrew.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful and powerful, Andrew. I’m so glad you shared these.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Twern’t nothin’ ma’am. Mighty please you enjoyed ’em.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Enjoyed them, Andrew. Want more for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Johnny Boy!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup
LikeLike
Reblogged this on The Life & Times of Zoe the Fabulous Feline and commented:
I’m pretty curious….then again, I’m a cat.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Curious about what?
LikeLiked by 1 person
About what happens next! And my human refuses to tell me. That witch…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
About what happened “before” as well….and just by the way, that cover….meowie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrew, great excerpts. Good to see you! Look forward to more! 🎶📚 Christine
LikeLiked by 2 people
Appreciate the sentiment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Chris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Welcome, Andrew 👍😃
LikeLike
‘Bout dang time… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, yeah, yeah …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vintage AJ, I would say. ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So good…..so proud. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks … I was blessed with a good editor.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great excerpts! I can’t wait to read the rest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike