The Three Papers

Dare to succeed...

The Three Pages                     by Sami S. Khalil

Since cradle and infancy, I always considered myself a lonely jar, empirically filled with curiosity. Growing up was momentous, for someone mesmerized by knowledge and writing. Let me exclaim something, when I stumbled upon good writings, they gave me pleasure and joy. I continually thought, if hearts live for love, then minds mustn’t perish without knowledge.

Sometimes, I would pat myself on the back, feeling butterflies dancing in my belly when I wrote something good. They all felt like gaining some type of booty. That booty I would dole it out, sharing it with co-workers, family and friends. I had that hunger and thirst, but they were not of the mindless kind. Other times, I would be self-critical, but not grumpy like my boss at Hammerhead Hardware. With sullen pouts, everyone called him “The Sharp Tongue”, once cold, another time raging hot upon discovering some employee reading, writing or just at idle.

The old rooster crowed with indignation when he saw stagnation. He had many a platitude, but not a single gratitude for employees. I felt we were his cattle drive. I was chastised once for possessing and reading a magazine containing famous publishers (I was fed up with the job and looking for a publishing job or as a writer). As he threatened to fire me many times, he finally did when he knew I would not put up with his nonsense (He never led by example and had no inner peace). When I was let go, I felt emancipated. The season of change was at hand.

Without despair, hailing and heeding my friend’s advice, I headed in earnest to this new job’s interview with a prestigious publishing company. My engine was firing on all cylinders. I needed to be reborn without a scorn. A motto played in my head: “From the dark to a creative spark to a happy Lark…” I was dressed up in a fancy suit, carrying my gracious resume in hand, downtown bound. Oh, my feelings sank when I took the elevator to the 80^th floor (It was around 110 story high).

It was early morning. The sun eased herself up from slumber. I pensively stepped down the hallway till I reached the offices. What a stark difference between these luxurious offices and my old job (A mockery of minimalism)! What a cute secretary! After my greeting, I asked her to see Mr. Billings while she secretly surveyed me from head to toe, soaking up her inner storms. I was asked to wait in his lavish office till he finished a board meeting. As I recalled, rumors have it that he was a talisman; the apex of class and style.

Looking around, I felt indulged in his many awards and trophies. It dawned on me that I was in the presence of an accomplished man (I'd better not mess up). My emotions danced as a trespasser away from the simple affairs of impulses. As the time was nigh, he entered the room like a glaring light. I sensed a coastal wind through a stifled sea. He shook my hands as my ears cozied up to an impressive voice. He sat on his fine desk, wasting no time. As he talked, I heard fire sirens putting out my fears. Instinctively, my ashen smiles had the looks of withdrawals. With a little speech and, like a commander with purpose, he proffered a stern instruction.

He said: “Listen, son! I have lots of candidates for this job. You give the impression of a talented fellow, but let me tell you something, whoever writes the best articles on three things of my choosing, gets the job. Although I was sitting, I felt as standing erect as a soldier. He continued saying, “Do you see this chair? Yes, this chair?! Gaze your eyes at this light. Also, this Persian rug. Now, weave your thoughts as it is woven. Gather your notes as the others are noted. A good writer must be able to write on any subject, any time, any place. Understood! Write me three papers. One for each subject. After you have finished, just mail them back to my office. Upon reading and reviewing, I will decide the winner. Good Luck.”

Then leaving the building, I looked up to see the office up in the clouds. As I drove off, the car chugged. I was out of gas. Surely, I was out of gas but not of great, forthcoming ideas. Well, the entrepreneur sees possibilities. The writer sees pages. Mine was three. Come to find out, I was informed after my submissions that my writing was the most auspicious. I got the job. The butterflies were dancing in my stomach again…      

    

Reviews

[emmajoy]

For some reason, the end of your story set me off on way of looking at your story. '... the office up in the clouds.. I was out of gas' I suddenly saw the character looking up and into an unknown world, then, looking down, seeing he was out of gas and -static. Made me wonder if in that few seconds you saw what the unknown before it happened? Your stories have unusual themes, different places and faces, ways of seeing this or that, that or this. Consequently often feel as if learning things outside my little realm.. thank you so much for that, Sami . Take care, keep safe. Please

[Sami Khalil]

Whoeee! You understand me very well. I truly look behind things, beyond things and such. I think you are on the right track dear poet and friend. I try to connect spiritually to the unseen, unknown worlds; the source of all. Thank you so much for the visit and continued support. Hope all is well.

[emmajoy]

Yes, I see that in how you've worded your story - there are near invisible pauses.

[Sami Khalil]

My goodness. Gracie millee..

[emmajoy]

Prego, signor!

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful story shared Sami. I liked the interview and the thoughts of the young man. Good to think upon your feet. I liked the happy ending and thank you for sharing the entertaining story.
Coyote

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Coyote. So glad you liked this story and the empowering message for the new generation. Million thank yous.

[Coyote Poetry]

It was a good message Sami and my pleasure to read your work. You are welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

:::::::)))))))))))))

[Just Kim]

A good writer must be able to write on any subject, any time, any place.
Understood! Write me three papers.

I don't think i could write a story. i may have once or twice when i was younger, my mind that hold that kind of power anymore.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! I hope you do one day. It takes a will, trial and error and a belief in yourself to tap your abilities. It is within you , so try one day. Show it to some friends, relatives before you publish to fix some mistakes if any is present. Thank you Kim and Happy new year. Will visit you next year.

[Just Kim]

ok you too, see you next year as well... LOL

[Sami Khalil]

:::::::::)))))))))

[Patricia Wedel]

“He never led by example and had no inner peace”.... this reminds me of what I once heard... “The best Sermon is being a Good Example”. It is remarkable how you have become a prolific writer... and truly ‘meant to be’. All of our experiences have led us to where we are. When I once left a Job by my own choice... I had a Vase of Roses on my desk. As I walked out of the Office and down the Hall I left Rose Petals in my Wake. It is a two-way street. If a Boss can dismiss you one day... then you can just walk out one day if the Boss is not doing his Job correctly. Always have a Vase of flowers now and then. truly, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You can write a story about that Pat or just a poem. Love your take on this story. You are wise indeed. Thank you for all. Happy Holidays.

[barleygirl]

This is the best thing I've read from you. I might've said that before recently, but you keep growing by leaps & bounds in your writing lately. This is an amazing piece with a memorable lesson. Your writing is so bright & creative & well-crafted, it's an example of the very lesson you wish to impart. I love your internal rhymes, very snappy, often enuf to add panache, but not too often to feel flippant. I so agree with this "hiring boss" -- put people to the test. Anyone can talk their way into a job, but let me see you produce some writing. Had I been assigned to this, years ago I would've written something pretty dull & lifeless. After being at the cafe for 6 years with you & other writers throwing down unexpected twists & turns, I've learned a thing or two & I believe I could write 3 papers that would be much more lively. Even tho your story is spot-on for the working world of a writer, I also have to point out that it's pertinent to the world of online friends & romance, too. Anyone can text a load of crap, but very few ever genuinely RESPOND to the other person in meaningful ways! We should put all people to little tests before letting them too far into our hearts! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Sami Khalil]

OMG Margie! You are amazing and so inspirational. You have pushed me and others to rise above and higher in our writings. You are God sent indeed and a blessing. Coming from you is an honor. I can't thank you enough. I agree 100% with your message. See you soon...

[Sami Khalil]

"A good writer must be able to write on any subject, any time, any place. Understood?! Write me three papers. One for each subject."
SK