Nice take on the old battle of light and shadow. Not overdone, yet with plenty of detailed lines to make it strong.
well done.

This is one outstanding write Peter. Well said and very well detailed.

This is quietly heartbreaking and beautifully observed—love and life in parallel lines.

Such good writing Peter. So often, couples won’t acknowledge the other until one day there’s one less partner to walk through life with. Death hits hard and the regret of not sharing openly the feelings that still linger underneath.

Your poem narrates characters in a story of their lives. They live through your words. This is so well done.

Thank you Thomas and Tim for your thoughtful and kind remarks.
I share most of my writing with anyone other than my wife.I wonder how much great poets of the past shared works with their partners.

🙏

Powerfully penned, Peter. Excellent write my friend. This is amazing storytelling at its finest. Appreciate you.

Damian

This is sad and the description of how things even though you are doing what you must day to day you forget that the partner must be taking care of just like everyone and everything else

This is probably the way it is for most older couples. Yet always at least parallel, not veering away. Close enough for a hand to hold, to acknowledge the other. I envy that, to have someday. Just to know I am not ever really alone. As bittersweet as it can seem, it is also a reward unto itself. That commitment to stay so near, even if it seems a bit far at times. Hearts have a way…
Wonderful write. Poignant and pin-point.

That teddy bear really fit fits this piece, you touched on multiple, maybe stemming from abused children. Tight

Chère F.,
You care for us like a lover.
With calloused, no: with warm and soft hands.
And I am very grateful for this.

I wish you a blessed, happy and inspired 2026. With enough time to do other things you love.
Warm wave, warm regards, Gus

Post command? No, post comment!

Thanks Fia

Thanks, cuz. Appreciate you.

Damian

Powerfully penned, Nick. Excellent write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

Is this a song because I am reading this as a song. This makes me think of what the person is observing in his life and how people interact with him.

“I don’t hate my family
I just don’t love them”

That’s so profound. Family isn’t the same thing to everyone. Honestly, the people who really raised us are the family…our friends, our mentors, our music. The rest is sometimes just DNA. I agree with Fia, this feels like lyrics to me