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Blind Sight, books, leocardo, life, photography, poetry, spain, writing
Announcement: The Picture it & write Publication has been sent to the editor. Keep up submissions as, of this moment, we plan on making this a yearly publication. 🙂 Stage 1: Completed.
For those who missed it, Ermisenda is running a graphic design giveaway where any one of you could win a free book cover, blog banner, or Facebook cover designed just for you! Check it out!
I urge people to join in, comment with your paragraph of fiction to accompany the image. It doesn’t have to follow my story or reflect the same themes. It can be a poem or in a different language (provide a translation please 
). Anyone who wants to join in, is welcome. This photograph will be reblogged under Ermisenda on tumblr and added to the Picture it & Write gallery on Facebook.
Please continue to write however you’re inspired, but add a tag to the beginning of your post if there’s mature content in order to keep Picture it & Write an engaging event for all of our followers.
Thank you to Marisa Lyon for letting us use her great photograph for this week’s prompt! Check out her blog and leave her some love.
The swing swayed and the sunlight winked, both tempting twelve year old Leocardo to rush out and play. With his belly full of comida casera and his parents talking about boring adult things, he wanted to play in his uncle’s backyard. The white stucco walls lined the greenery. The Spanish sun embraced him and kissed his forehead, leaving beads of sweat.
Just as he leaped towards the old swing, he heard his mother’s voice.
“Cuida a tu hermana pequeña, Leo.” Take care of your younger sister, Leo.
“Pero, Ma!” he groaned. But, Mum!
His mother grabbed him brusquely by the shoulders, going down on her knees, with a timid eight-year-old Odette by her side.
“Siempre tienes que cuidar a ella. No siempre vamos a estar aquí. Familia se encarga de uno al otro. No importa lo que pase. ¿De acuerdo?” You must always take care of her. We won’t always be here. Family takes care of each other. No matter what. Okay?
Leocardo nodded, he always had to, if not his mother wouldn’t let him play. Same old, same old. He had to take care of Odette. He couldn’t wait until he didn’t have to worry about taking care of his blind sister. She even embarrassed him at school sometimes.
Sighing, he took Odette’s hand in his.
“No tiene que jugar conmigo si no quieres,” Odette murmured. You don’t have to play with me if you don’t want to.
Leocardo suddenly felt terrible. It wasn’t his sister’s fault that she couldn’t see. “Quiero jugar contigo. Eres mi hermana. Pero…no le digas a mis amigos.” I want to play with you. You’re my sister. But…don’t tell my friends.
– Ermisenda Alvarez
This piece is about Leocardo Reyes, a main character in the Blind Sight novels. He believes his sister is having premonitions; Odette’s best friend Aniela thinks she’s a medium. Who’s right? Whose eyes will you read through?
Learn more about Blind Sight or purchase the books. Right now each volume is just 99 cents!
- Leocardo’s volume by Ermisenda on (Amazon | Barnes&Noble)
- Aniela’s volume by Eliabeth on (Amazon | Barnes&Noble)
Everyone is welcome to use the button, just link them back to the Picture it & write category or Ermiliablog! Share your love for Picture it & write on your blog with the image below. Be proud, and stylish 
!
Ermilia 
Innocence, a child speaks
She whispers, each syllable
Reverberates softly
Telling tales of signs of life
Of all the world the trees
So tall, so bright.
Like stars and the waning
Moonlight, that is ours
To take on trips
Against gravity’s grasp.
Swing away, on wings, escape.
I spent way too many minutes trying to figure out why “waning” and “moonlight” were separated. I came up with nothing. I was angry because the poem should have only taken seconds. I read it again as….
“…waning moonight.
Ours
to take on trips…”
And I loved it all! Beautiful!
Thanks, I have a little quirk where the placement of words in some of my poetry seems strange, but when it’s read it flows all the better. It’s one of those personal rhythms that changes depending on the person who is reading it. I’m glad that you liked it 🙂
I did, especially the trips against gravity’s grasp.
I like it! Feels like flying.
Thanks! I actually wrote this before getting on a plane!
I too really enjoyed your poem… children do have such fleeting, connecting thoughts such as you wrote… Lovely..
A great poem. The structure of the poem emphasised that theme of ‘fleeting’ thoughts. There were many lovely coupled phrases like ‘swing away, on wings, escape’ or ‘moonlight, that is ours’. Thanks for contributing this week! I hope to see you contributing again. 🙂
I hope to keep up, but life is always really busy. Thank you very much 😀
Nice take on that pic, Devin. I believe that adults want to swing higher than reality just as much as children. Most have just forgotten how. Nice reminders. And you have a great writing style and use of language. Great job! 🙂 Eric
Oh yes, that’s something that as we get older gets lost. The sense of wonder and movement just is lost to work, college, and finances. Yuk. Thanks I’m always glad to share my work and enjoy it when others enjoy it. ❤
First, you know I loved the Spanish! I read some of it differently, but “don’t speak of it to my friends” means the same. I read two novels and never saw Leo’s hidden shame as I see it now. Thanks for that!
Here’s Fraidy Cat.
I’m glad you did like the Spanish! I think as a child, it would be hard for Leo to not feel a level of resentment since Odette would have absorbed most of his parents time. With Leo so young I don’t think he fully grasped the situation and just wanted to have a ‘normal’ sister who he didn’t have to babysit so much. When he gets older, I sense that he moves on from that but yeah…it’s a sibling issue for sure. He always feels like he needs to protect her, whether or not it is because he honestly wants to or because he just always has. So much consistent responsibility takes a toll on a person.
It’s so true that we forget important memories. Or we don’t realise we’ve forgotten them. I found it funny how you said there wasn’t much learned from the experience. Sometimes we need to make a few mistakes. It’s something I hope most children grow out of (teasing others)…but sadly, many adults are just as childish. A great story, Annie! Thanks for contributing. 🙂
I have continued from my story of last week – Blind Sight # 3. I hope you enjoy. http://ramblingsfromamum.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/blind-sight-part-3/
This has been deleted for a re-write- apologies.
Aw! I was excited. 😛
I have a friend who has a visually impaired daughter and what I first wrote was not in a word ‘real’. I submitted then she commented and I opened my computer at 12.45am to trash, so that I could rework. I hope that this attempt is now worthy, for I do not wish to write anything that did not ring ‘true’.
Well I admire your responsibility in telling a truthful story. Thanks for reblogging the link as well. 🙂
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Thanks for the challenge! Here’s my submission:
http://ericmvogt.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/grandmothers/
Wow, I love how you swung from a more positive, joyful light to ‘dementia, absentia, musty smell of age’. Super powerful! A great poem on grandmothers. Thanks for contributing this week to Picture it & write. 🙂
Thank you! Can’t wait for Number 101!
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Thank you so much for using my photography for this week’s challenge! I’ll definitely be posting my submission for the week as soon as it’s written, but wanted to say a quick thank you. I loved the story. An honest piece, and I enjoyed the extra flavor of mixing in a little Spanish!
Thanks for dropping by Marisa. It’s our pleasure. It was a great photograph and it’s lovely to see it inspire so many creative works. 🙂 Thanks for the compliment and I hope to read your piece sometime soon. Take care!
Your photo was delicious Marisa – thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you! I’m glad it inspired 😉
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My post “Unanticipated Motion, Pt. 2” showed up in a pingback above, so I didn’t include a link to it here 🙂
A creative idea. I like the focus on the trees. It provides a new perspective. A little revenge! 😀 Thanks for contributing this week, AR Neal. 🙂
http://terry1954.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/picture-it-write-blind-sight-edition-2/
Aw, what a sweet ending. I loved it! Great work, Terry. So very nostalgic. Time flies, right? Thanks for contributing this week to Picture it & write. 🙂
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Picture it and write
New book coming out real soon
I’ll buy three copies
🙂
I really looking forward to this publication
Here’s my one for today, short and sweet
http://joe2stories.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/picture-it-and-write-working-in-paradise/
Enjoy
Joe
Yay! Yes, it should be out soon. Let’s hope the editor doesn’t take too long. Sadly, these things can sometimes take a while. Especially considering that Ermilia isn’t our full time jobs. 😛
Argh, I would hate having to work at night and sleep during the day. The lack of sun would be quite depressing. I love how you contrast his lifestyle with the word ‘working in paradise’. Nice! Thanks for contributing this week, Joe. 🙂
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sad for Odette..though Leo agrees to play with her, he is still embarrassed to be seen with her..so well written. Here’s my contribution for this week:
http://call2read.com/2013/03/18/picture-it-write-a-gateway-to-innocence/
Yeah, the situation is complex. 😦
I like the sense of hope and rejuvenation with the final sentence ‘Ah! Flourishing saplings’. Great work! Thanks for contributing this week to Picture it & write. 🙂
That was so sweet, Ermisenda; just as many big brothers would behave and feel…!
My contribution for the week is here… Thank You… 😉
http://abcofspiritalk.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/picture-it-write-sight/
I love that you continued with this ‘blind’ theme. A very sad tale. It was truly touching though. I don’t know how I would handle losing my partner AND my sight. It would all be too much. I guess you would have to stay strong and find something to live for. Thanks for contributing this week, a great and moving piece, Carolyn! 🙂
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My submission – thank youhttp://ramblingsfromamum.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/blind-sight-3/
http://ramblingsfromamum.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/blind-sight-3/
that last entry was a tad askew
What a sweet story. I think you wrote authentically from the perspective of the blind person. It must be so scary not knowing where you are going. But I guess we become so dependent on sight… I hear that often blind people are very good at listening. Our senses try to compensate, right? Thanks for contributing this week to Picture it & write! 🙂
From me, Lee-Anne, just a little writing “doodle” 🙂
“A sun bloom, that’s what the photographer called it, light shining and being caught by the camera. Beautiful rays of light bloomed for me now. Bright shining light dancing in my eyes through my tears. The photographer had captured my heart with her dedicated lens. She had seen what I could not see until now. The tears blurred my newly awakened vision as I looked across the grass to the swing. The light shone and I could see. Slowly I looked down at the picture in my hand. I had found the scene in life just as Sean had described it to me. This is where we would sit for that special photo, the one of the two of us on our wedding day. Turning slowly to look at the man who was a week from becoming my husband, to use my eyes to see him, I feel the love bloom like the light. That same light shone on his hair turning it to gold and lit up his blue eyes, the love I feel reflected in his love for me. Dear god am I grateful to the surgeon who gave me sight.”
Very nice, Lee-Anne. I really like the sun bloom.
So romantic! I love the emphasis on light and sunshine. You weave the words throughout and it makes it that much more special. I think your story is a great interpretation of the photograph, I can see where the inspiration came from. Beautiful, Lee-Anne! Thanks for contributing this week. 🙂
Loved this Lee-Anne! A beautiful little “doodle” I must say!
loved the story… it’s totally believable.. he thinks and acts just as a boy would in the situation.. and you could really feel his dilemma and his love for Odette 🙂
Thanks, Kz. It’s always great to hear your support. I love being able to play these Blind Sight characters in scenes that you don’t get to read in our books. 🙂
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The pic is so thought provoking! It brings out so many thoughts as we have a look! your excerpt is no wonder very beautiful! this is my perception! http://wp.me/p1Zs7k-1jR
If only everyone swung to the rhythm of life. I love how you repeat the word swing but not in the literal sense of the word. Very creative and uplifting piece! Thanks for contributing this week to Picture it & write. 🙂
-Ermisenda
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Loved this pic.
http://ladynimue.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/last-pic/
This is so bittersweet. I agree with Purple, this is inspiring in itself. So many kinds of stories could develop. Thanks for contributing this week to Picture it & write, LadyNimue! 🙂 Keep inspiring us!
I finally found time to read Blind Sight through Leocardo’s eyes… and omg! I couldn’t go to sleep. I hope to read the other one soon 🙂 Keep up the great writing!
I’ll post my contribution as always on Friday ^^
Aw! I’m so glad you liked it, M. D. Feel free to send us an email on ermilia@live.com.au or me personally on ermisenda@live.com to give any extra feedback. We’d appreciate it. Also writing up a review would always be greatly loved if you have the time. 😛 No pressure. Thanks so much for reading it and I hope you enjoy Aniela’s side as well. 🙂
– Ermisenda
Sure in my free time 🙂
You’re welcome!
And here it is for this week: http://evilnymphstuff.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/memories-of-a-beauty/
This reminds me of the series ‘Once upon a time’, it uses elements of a great fairytale. I also love how you described the swing during different seasons. Very creative! Thanks for contributing this week, M. D.! 🙂
http://prisailurophileblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/picture-it-write-a-short-story-ix-2/
Here’s my offering for this week 🙂
A great contribution full of childhood nostalgia. It’s important for everyone to find a way to express themselves. I’m glad Danny found it through his garden and writing down his thoughts. Very sweet. Thanks for contributing this week to Picture it & write! 🙂
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Sorry for the late entry this week, but better late than never right? 🙂 Here’s my contribution – http://fate423.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/second-thought/
And I loved reading everyone’s stories evoked by the photo!!
What great storytelling. The open ended finish was great. I like to think she got married and realised he was everything she needed. I too can imagine this happening to many people. Sure, getting married is meant to be exciting but it’s also scary. Doubts can creep up on you and that’s normal too. Loved this description, ‘The scent of summer whisked through the air, offering a comforting familiarity to momentarily mask her apprehension.’ Great work and thanks for contributing this week, Marisa! 🙂 Thanks again for letting us use your photograph.
You are welcome to use my photos whenever needed 🙂
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This is my contribution for that week. http://shashimoore.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/soliloquies/
I really liked this idea of swaying away your troubles with each stride. I also thought it was greated you added ‘Accepting rejections’. That is very hard for us humans to do without breaking down into emotional wrecks! We don’t like failling but failing is part of life. It is often good to fail, to see where you can improve and build yourself up. Thanks for this great poem, Shashi!
thank you for commenting on my poem. The picture is very stimulating and inspiring