Reparations Dialogues in Rhyme

By Terry Collier

This unique short narrative in rhymed verse describes the effort of Eric Vance, retired international development consultant, to acquire additional funds to make improvements on his newly purchased property. He hits upon the idea of reparations as a possible means for obtaining funds. The reader is taken on an unexpected, somewhat dark journey of a drama though America's main race story and human existence in general. The format is a combination of novel, play, poem and short story. Compelling exchange in an entertaining manner.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terry Collier
• Release date: Jan 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463823255

Terry Collier

Terry Collier is a semi-retired foreign language instructor, U.S. Department of State interpreter, and international procurement consultant. He currently works part-time as a medical interpreter. He is a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

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Reparations

Dialogues in Rhyme

By Terry Collier

Copyright 2021 Terry Collier

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On the property

Eric Vance, recently retired international development consultant, stands in the middle of his twenty-seven acres, looking at his newly purchased home in the country. It is almost perfect except for needing a new roof. To be truly perfect it needs a sunroom.

After meandering around the young tulips and sassafras trees he goes inside. His wife Teresa is setting up her computer station hardware.

E-----I still can’t believe we own all this land.

The trees, the river, the pond. It’s so grand!

At first sight I thought, To have this…nothing I wouldn’t give.

T-----It’s immense compared to where we used to live.

E-----It’s got the space of Noah’s ark.

I feel like we’re living in a public park.

T-----Our real estate agent was the nicest fellow.

E-----He helped me find my own Mount Vernon, my own Monticello.

I think this place will be our salvation.

It has about everything we need…nature, water and semi- isolation.

Before, all we had was a suburban backyard.

Taking care of all this, no question, will be hard.

Right now, it´s a canvas…to landscape as we wish.

We can make it a work of art, a garden of Versailles…

stately spread out under this Midwestern sky.

T-----Very ambitious.

Later I’ll add a few more wishes.

A canvas…Yes. That I’ll grant.

Do you know already what you’re going to plant?

E-----Multiple vegetable gardens, multiple fruit trees.

Flowers for the pollinating butterflies and bees.

------I’d like to plant, to cover about a block,

irises, tulips, salvia and hollyhock.

And if I have proper skills…

cannas, daylilies, climbing roses and daffodils.

Depending on the soil and our geography,

I’ll grow asparagus, cucumbers and broccoli.

Peppers and onions and okra, with a good seed source.

And corn and lettuce and tomatoes of course.

T-----I can see your life now—soil, leaves, stems and roots.

That’s an impressive list. Is there a list of fruits?

E-----Apples, peaches, plums, cherries.

Grapes, watermelon, all kinds of berries.

Cantaloupe, pears and possibly pumpkin.

Though not necessarily for our direct consumption.

T-----I see a lot of labor being required.

You’ll be working more than ever, while supposedly retired.

I’m sure you’ll be more than efficient.

Just think! With the fish in the pond, we can be self-sufficient!

On the lake

Eric and Teresa are sitting in the terrace overlooking the pond casually surveying the house and grounds. The pond is about four acres and could actually be considered a lake.

E-----This 1950’s house is perfect for a former city commuter.

I like its natural redwood style. I call it country house Tudor.

T-----Leaving a modern home and city lifestyle, there’s nothing I’m regretting.

We’re neighbors to deer, squirrels, and Canadian geese. A virtual story book setting.

So many opportunities for natural photo shots.

I think I’ll like it here in Camelot.

Eric takes another