‘Would It Be Wrong to Have a Muse? To Have You?
Excerpt from ‘the Bocage’, a Novel of the Second World War
The American East Coast,
September 1943
The word 'muse' had a distinct, flexible meaning. Generally, it meant a person or personified force who becomes one’s source of inspiration; even so, inspiration could mean many things. Adoration, influence, admiration, fancy—if all were put into context, what difference would it make from that sacred thing called love?
And as John Rosen walked down Cardinal Street in College Station, over a chilling autumn breeze, he looked at Nancy. No, he did not love her. Probably not. But he admired her. And admiration could take someone so far. And he looked at her closely. The warm streetlights shimmered over her shoulder-length black hair, a brownish hue came over her eyes, making them a bright hazel in color. Maybe he did—like her, love her, muse her... There was little difference at that moment.
Few were surer of themselves and their future than she; even if it seemed so far flung. As they walked she told him she wanted to start a school one day, where they could help bridge Asians and your good old European Americans. She wanted many things from the world. But as was the case for many, would the world give so much to her?
They were walking funny in their half-drunkedness. Rosen laughed because of that, which brought her to laugh with him.
Under the warm-colored streetlights amid the chilly mid-Fall of the East Coast, they laughed and smiled and became idiots. The lights quietly gazed upon them. It was a young man and a young woman, the former in uniform at that, even if the lights and the moon and the stars above had the capacity of judgement, they would think that it was in truth, none of their business either.
And at some point, Nancy’s typically sure steps had become blurred, queered, diverted - so unlike her straightforwardness. Then as she came across uneven ground she nearly tripped, but John was there to stop her from falling completely. Only she fell into his arms and as she did, she uttered a surprised shout and giggled, while John was still laughing from the last object of comedy.
But then, the laughs halted. They had been friends for years but in each other’s embrace, they had never been this... Close.
John asked himself then, “Would it be wrong to have a muse? To have you?” But the words slipped through his lips in a scotch-scented whisper.
“No, John,” Nancy said, and smiled. She put a gentle hand on his face, and by all means expected something, but nothing happened.
Then they withdrew, Nancy letting herself go from John.
“I’m sorry.” John said. “I shouldn’t have...”
“Shall...” Nancy said, slightly embarassed, her cheeks now a warm red. Was she uncomfortable? Did it matter? “shall we continue walking, then?”
Before John could say anything, she’d already put her arm through his, her chest pressing against his upper arm. “Huh. I don’t think you’re giving me much of a choice, lady...” John chuckled.
And what happened next, John wished it lasted for an eternity.
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Rick W. Feb 2024
ABOUT ‘THE BOCAGE’
Unseasoned and timid Second Lieutenant John B. Rosen, US Army, is tasked to lead his platoon of jeep-borne reconaissance cavalry against a spirited and entrenched German army following the D-Day Landings in Normandy, 1944. His men doubt his leadership, his heart a distant love back home, his soul torn to shreds by the endless death and vice of the inhumane realities of war — one fought against an undoubtedly superior foe: the ruthless and effective armed forces of Nazi Germany. A tale of life, love, and loss, we relive the memories of the Greatest Generation through John Rosen & Co. as American forces charge through Northern France in ‘Operation Cobra’, culminating in the historic Battle of Mortain.
Brought to you by Rick Windson, author of the award-winning short story ‘Let This Be My Honor’ and Wattpad-featured stories ‘1821' and ‘Heraclea’.
