The Launch

The Launch    14/04/2012

Kiss of the King Brown

An Australian novel by John Condliffe

The day dawned unsettled; I struggled to get out of bed, my head felt clogged. Was it nerves, was it sinusitis; same affect. Maureen was up and going before eight, I struggled after her. Quick breakfast then readying the house and surrounds for pie night, would anyone turn up? This was an RSVP free zone.

I practised my talk, cards were in order, a flash of memories cascaded through. My mum was strong today. Tough love, tough love God she was tough, but a lady a beautiful loving lady. Love you mum.

The kids start to arrive, arrangements are finalised details worked out duties assigned. Family is great when things need to be done, the grand kids are excited. It is like a wedding.

We venture down to Aesop’s Attic. Claire and Danny Mc Kenna are waiting and ready, they have the place really well set up. My introducer Leo Ramsdale is there with Vi all ready to go, he is surprisingly nervous.

People start to arrive, lots of people; friends, family, work people, strangers, town people, the place is more than filled they spill out into the street. It is amazing, we have to delay the start for a little so more people can fit in and arrive.

I am dazed overwhelmed by this support, by this wonderful excited optimistic, expectant throng. I cannot believe these excited, expectant faces. They have come because of me, how humbling is that, how very humbling.

As things settle and I talk to people and smile and accept congratulations I think of Sean and Joseph, Jim and Mary, Johnny and Ralph. They are here too.

Twin Peter introduces the introducer. Leo gives a wonderful introduction and summation of the book. He spices it with the usual anecdotes and homespun yarns and jokes. It is just the tonic for introducing ‘the Kiss’. It is my time.

I basically give the same talk as I did for Rotary (see previous Blog) with a few bits and pieces thrown in to suite the audience.  Then I give a couple of readings the crowd has been engrossed and attentive, I am much more relaxed today. These people want to be here I feel their good will and encouragement. It is like a warm embrace, a loving touch that gladdens my very being.

The first reading is on the walk to the fishing trip when Joseph embraces the doomed tree…P111

The second reading is the encounter of Sean and his mum after Sean has caused a huge upheaval in the town…P276 I start on it, but, I cannot do it. Suddenly my mum is there, strong and endearing. I am overcome with emotion and remembrance. I stumble and grope for the words but they will not come…Tears spring to my eyes. I look over the crowd some are crying also; there is a feeling of utter sadness. I see my daughter Alison, the one that is like mom. I call her name, she comes I point to the reading, she reads it beautifully. I recover, she leaves and I finish the talk.

I make remarks and sign over forty books. Danny and Claire say it has been their best book launch ever. We go home.

The Pie night goes on onto the late night. Much talking, drinking and celebrating as is befitting the birth of a long coming baby, or the fulfilment of a long running relationship.

I turn the lights out, Maureen lies exhausted beside me. She quietly smiles,

                ‘How do you feel?’

                ‘Happy and sad, it has been so long it’s strange that it’s over’.

She nods, reaches for my hand, squeezes it and whispers.

                ‘Proud of you, love you’

I nod, turn the light off and croak.

                ‘Yep we did it, we did it, love ya’.

 Sleep comes easily.

PS; Bogie does not like pies that much, but loves the attention. He is collapsed in satisfied slumber under the bed.