Title: And This Was My Happy Ending
Author: Kevin Staniec
Published in 2006 by ISM quarterly
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 0-9776007-0-X
Kevin Staniec begins the motions of his life after he has been released from his job. They believed him to be an idealist since he compiled novels in her head. So with his ‘early retirement’ he believes it to be an involuntary career move. He thinks about having a cup of coffee but changes his mind, since he doesn’t drink the stuff, so chooses apple cider, and not certain why because he hates apples as little ideas begin to roam in his mind. Thus begins his book of poems and pictures that gives insight to his life as the days float by him. He composes words that others often find happening in their own life. When he feels like things have become just a routine, he decides to stop in at a coffeehouse and see if he can pen any words to paper. If he can only have a ‘happy ending’ perhaps things will fall into better respective. But that is when ‘she’ enters and things take a different spin in his life. It was then he knew a story was dying to be written. From there he begins his story of ‘I’ and ‘she’ that stirs emotions, and comes across a new love while recreating his own little masterpiece of delights.
He sits and watches as she enters the coffeehouse and delicately describes her features and how he sees her. By carefully absorbing every crafted detailed about the woman, who seems to have captured his heart, he even catches a glimpse of the book under her arm, down to the set of sheet music she carries. A picturesque view of true love that stays in his heart, even though not a word is spoken or even a fragment dissected, until months later when she pens him a letter. The carefully chosen words between the two seem to be awe-inspiring but is it something that will last or only be a short-lived fantasy? The passing days will tell if the two are truly in love in every sense of the word.
From love, separation, romance, and learning of oneself, this enjoyable collection, if read between the lines, like the author suggest, makes each poetic verse a remarkable story in itself. Each splendid word of this assortment is so outstanding that I read them twice, and most likely will read them again. And This Was My Happy Ending is filled with more than just penned words. It relays feelings from the author’s sensations and touches upon the reader’s heart as well. Kevin Staniec weaves some interesting poetry into a collection of sorts that gives thought and astonishes the reader. Even the coffee cup on the cover, seems to instill a tranquil peace and practically say it belongs to a loving couple. The reflections are a love story told in a different light. With an assemblage of arbitrary opinions, some entertaining letters and even some very nice photographs instilled within the pages, this is one impressive book. When I saw the pictures of the clouds it made me think of my own love, and how I would pen little notes for him each and everyday in my own special way. And just the clouds reminded me when we laid him to rest, how our little grandson said, ‘I see grandpa, he’s up in the clouds, waving,’ and now every time I see those small sweeping clouds I am reminded of those words.
Kevin Staniec creates such simplicity in words that made me think of my wonderful times and moments that I shared with my true love and he will make you feel the same. Perhaps not as much as I felt, but it was an eye-opener that allowed me to see the imagery, the detail and feel my heartstrings recall little episodes in my life. It brought smiles to my face, and a soothing peace to my heart. He made me see that it’s the simple things in life that makes a difference. This is a sweet collection that I urge everyone to read and enjoy. Sit back and relax in a cozy chair, with a cup of tea and just enjoy the harmony that comes with simple sayings that greet the reader with a smile. Pick up a copy today at: www.ISMquarterly.com and dive into a peaceful calm, almost like drifting on a boat in beautiful waters, come feel the joy and peace.
Sincerely good reading,
Linda
Kevin's Website Buy Kevin's Book at ISM
