"Rays"

"Rays"

- Volume 3 -

The third anthology of song lyrics, short stories and narrative prose pieces by Paul Murphy ignition-inspired by titles to the films of legendary Golden Hollywood actress, Fay Wray.

"Rays" - Vol. 3 contains some of the author's most wide-ranging and personal writing. Ballads and love songs sit alongside social commentaries; harsh observations on politics alongside Old West vignettes; allegories on Government control alongside stark spotlights on coercive control in relationships. And straight-from-the-news diatribes against the failures to protect children, the infirm and the lonely.

Also present, in its original prose format, is the epic Western folk-ballad 'Not Exactly Gentlemen', now under development as a film, plus the specifically-written eulogy 'That You Were', a dedication to all lost loved ones.

Bonus material includes reproductions of all original handwritten manuscripts; author sketch-art; and an engaging essay, 'I Wrote This The Night I Met You', which details the backstory to each work.

A moving, evocative and captivating series of works, from a master of descriptive prosody.

Please note, due to the nature of some of the subjects addressed, this book is recommended 18+.


That You Were [extract]


You were beyond time
You defied metaphor
As unique as each wave
That lands on welcoming shore
Blessed with beauty
Both on view, and within
To paint you in words
Where would I begin...

....


Your Own Back Yard [extract]


Curfew's on and they're casting out their nets
If you ain't got home, enjoy your last cigarette
They've opened your mail, read your browsing history
Counted votes against results and found discrepancies
If you're lookin' for the enemy, it ain't too hard
You might want to start in your own backyard


.....


The Man In The Saddle [extract]


The man in the saddle came into town
Slowly dismounted from his horse
Jimmy Red-Eye said "Ya want the Sheriff?"
"Maybe... in due course"
"Where can I find the Burnett brothers?"
"Where d'ya think? In the Saloon"
"Ya might not want to provoke 'em"
"They been drinkin' hard since noon"


"Trying to drown their consciences?"
"I ... I don't know what ya mean..."
"You asked if I wanted the Sheriff"
"So - you know about Pauline..."
"I don't know nothin' about nothin'!"
"Really? Is that so?"
"I don't want to get drawn into this"
"Then it's time for you to go..."

....


Not Exactly Gentlemen [extract]


Shots ring out over the lonesome prairie
Travelling faster than the speed of life
Young woman kneeling by the corpse of her father
Weeping for the man who's gone to meet his wife
"So, what'll it be then, little lady?"
"Could use somethin' ... fresh like you on the trail"
"'course, you're gonna have to come ... willingly..."
Through tears she replies "Rot in Hell"
"I'm sure we will," the leader laughs
"But you'll be gone long before us"
He raises his pistol and shoots the water barrel
"When ya get thirsty - try drinkin' dust"

....


The Stolen Jewels [extract]


So much spite
So much hate
They'll find out
But it'll be too late
They'll carry forever
What you did today
When they ask "Why...?"
What will you say...