Michael Cloherty
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These last three autumns have tried my spirit and wrecked my aching heart. First, my developmentally challenged cousin was struck and killed by a speeding driver as she was walking home with her groceries. Working in Television news, I edited the raw footage – unaware until the next day that she was the victim.
I raised money for her funeral through the kindness of family, friends and strangers moved by her tragedy. Our family remains grateful to those who contributed to cover those expenses at that time.
The following autumn, her twin was on life support after a stroke. As her Health Care Proxy, I had to give my verbal consent to disconnect the machines keeping her alive.
My father passed on October 1st of this year after several weeks in the hospital and then my only sibling, Sean, died as well the night before our dad’s funeral.
I first sought refuge by immersing myself in the nearby woods and then in my words seeking a way to navigate a path through the forests of my emotions.
There will be more words to come. This is just what I am able to share at this time.
16/12/2024
I visited Frank Converse's grave in Woodlawn Cemetery as I've done for the last several years on the anniversary of his 1863 murder. The crime, the first murder during a bank robbery, was the basis for my historical fiction novel, "Abel Bodied: Murder at the Malden Bank."
Later in the evening, I joined Gene Sticco of Mystic Side Opera Company at an event at Pearl Street Station to debut the songs created for the opera based on the novel, "Shiloh's Razor" and have a lively discussion about the novel and the stage production-to-be. Excited to see what comes next!
More info here: https://michaelcloherty.com/2024/11/17/shilohs-razor/
13/12/2024
Join us Sunday at Pearl Street Station for the next step of bringing "Shiloh's Razor" to the stage! The story, taken from my novel, "Abel Bodied: Murder at the Malden Bank" focuses on William Shiloh and his dilemma of coming forward as a witness or not after the murder of bank teller Frank Converse. Sunday is the 161st anniversary of the crime, the first murder during a bank robbery in American history.
Shiloh's Razor: Opera Concept Album Release and Fundraiser Prepare for an electrifying journey into the dark heart of Civil War-era Malden, Massachusetts, where justice hangs by a thread.
It has astounded me to listen to this moving song inspired by my novel and I am thrilled to now share it!
"Shiloh's Soliloquy" is a beautiful, emotional lament that explores the conflict at the heart of my novel, "Abel Bodied: Murder at the Malden Bank" - William Shiloh witnesses the postmaster, Edward Green, leave the bank three times the morning of the robbery and the murder of the young clerk, Frank Converse.
Weighing the danger of coming forward as a black man in 1863, the barber worries how his decision will affect the lives of himself and his family as well as how it may forever alter their tenuous place in the town. But William is also aware of how not doing so will ultimately affect his soul.
There is a listening event of the collection of songs created by Mystic Side Opera Company for the future production of "Shiloh's Razor" on the anniversary of the Sunday, December 15th at Pearl Street Station in Malden.
I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.
For more information, click the link:
https://michaelcloherty.com/2024/11/17/shilohs-razor/
16/07/2024
Thanks to Gary Christenson, the Mayor of Malden, for hosting me to discuss my recent New England and Regional Award for video editing at WFXT Boston 25 News. The mayor is a terrific advocate for creatives in our city and has been extremely supportive of my novel, “Abel Bodied: Murder at the Malden Bank” which details the first murder during a bank robbery in American history.
