Paul Stewart: The Kingmaker of Vocal
Come what may of the Kingmaker...
Heavy the crown that wears the man. Weighty the responsibility that said man wields. Said man being me. There is nothing throwaway or even remotely slight and insignificant about what I do. A well-timed comment and a like from me can lead you onto great and wonderful things around these parts. Eclipsing my own success entirely. Just one first place and a plethora of Top Stories are all I have to my name. While those I paved the way for and who I helped encourage and inspire, have overshadowed me.
The life of the Kingmaker of Vocal is one that is as much about glory and fortune (someone else's) as it is about shame and misfortune (mine and mine alone to carry like Johhny Marr did The Smiths despite Morrissey's best efforts to derail things).
Like Grima, I feel that lonely desolate despair that comes from controlling everything and gaining none of the glory. I do not despise those who came after me, who followed and gained might success. For success is deserving of those who earn it. But long has seasons past since my big victory. Gone, but not forgotten, at least of all by my own wavering ego, as I gaze upon my profile page and see the little badge. The euphoric state I was in for at least several hours after the announcement had passed, has been replaced with one that is decidedly despondent and like a geyser waiting to burst force, I fear my venom is always waiting to be released on unsuspecting readers and writers alike. For, I need to write, not just want to write...and I bring forth the dark and the light that dulls and shines often so equally.
So “Come what may of The Kingmaker of Vocal?” asked no-one and everyone in sad reflection. Shall I continue a beacon of encouragement or retire to my lonely throne in the cave of robbers I dwell, like some forgotten champion?
The quill must meet the parchment, yes, the file must fill with the words of the self-inflicted. My truest self is between the lies I tell and the satire I spell. The whole world is a stage I want to burn with fire from my mind's match.
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Thanks for reading!
Author's Notes: This is mostly Stephen E. Roddewigg's fault. Go check out his work. I wouldn't be living up to my role as The Kingmaker of Vocal if I didn't include a link to his profile, now would I?
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
Streams and Scratches in My Mind coming soon!
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Comments (19)
Haha too modest if you ask me!
Dang, Paul, I think you did it! The Kingmaker hath crowed a new heir apparent in his infinite Top Story generosity: https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/fangs-of-light%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E God save the Kingmaker 👑
All hail!
Ah he finally admits his place among the riffraff! (Now I'm mostly caught up!) ;D
Croissants and donuts for his highness! 🥐 🍩 😁🤣
Love this!! The relatability of the euphoria and then fall from it when it wears off!! But also love the acknowledgement of the weight you hold on this platform! 💚 Great piece here Paul!!
Well, someone's gotta' do it. 😁 Just easing back into Vocal here, pal and found your Remix Challenge results post which, of course, led me here. Your encouragement has always been sincerely appreciated, my friend.
All this time I've been reading your pieces and had no idea I was rubbing elbows with the royalty! Well, no, no elbows were involved, how dare I, it was probably more like kowtowing in the dust while peeking shyly upwards to get a glimpse of Your Highness's enlightened visage...
I was thinking, last night funnily enough, before I read this, about the handful of people on vocal who have kept me moving, from a dalliance with a forgotten childhood hobby to something I feel some fluctuating confidence that I can do well. How much I owe them, because there is little in life I feel confidence about, even fluctuating. I owe you a lot.
Done any housework today, have you? Tidy away that crown while you're at it, it might slip and choke you. Will it even get over that king-sized head?
I don't think you're a forgotten champion. But looks like you've forgotten that I've crowned you as King Paul Shakespeare! Lol 🍩🥐
I always look forward to your comments on one of my stories and appreciate any reads! *curtsey*
Every monarch reigns but once and falls; the kingmaker can anoint as many kings as he likes, and whisper from the shadows behind each and every throne.
Thou stoops to name thyself Grima Worm Tongue? Odd bodkins, my Lord, do not foreswear thyself in such foolish manner. If though art king, then surely thou should bear thyself like a monarch, or like a Jove raking through our bones in your righteous and furious wroth! Command us Lord King, bid us retreat from the fertile fields of Vocal. Thou have only to say thy word and we swear it shalt be done.
We all see you, your highness, in all your glory! (You finally made this! I was wondering when I'd see it pop up! ☺️)
I bow before you, your highness! lol. This is great.
Well spoken, my liege!
* demure curtsey * Oh great King, thank you for reading my words from time to time. Please do stick around and grace us with your treasures :) findamnallhailtheking
You're kind of a big deal 😊