“Mashed tantrum”….I really like that turn of phrase….

Jacob…
You know, I’m not a particular fan of political poetry, which is why I so enjoyed this piece… especially the logical way you follow the trail to the purloined invitations.
Vol

smells and images merged into a visceral statement about the world

Regards James

thank you for your kind comment, James.
j.

This is one of those pieces that has the soul crying & the mind sighing. So true & so disheartening. This world is at the edge of a cliff & too many just aren’t willing to take that step back. Lemmings…

It reads like whirlwind romance tangled up in finer details. “Fingers playing ivories towards my laughter” carries a poetic notion within the telling of story and fantastic reality. He’s a lucky man to have you and you’re lucky to have this strange man in return! Compellingly positive….

Joy,
You know, live wears many different costumes, and is a quick-change artist, too. In the sensory overload of 21st century life, it seems an impossibility to stop long enough to see anything, really. When was the last time you knew of a new “painted lady house?” No, todays houses are all little boxes because no one has the time for beauty, any more.
Vol

It is refreshing to see new “voices” in here. Yours is quite entertaining and I like how it isn’t routine anything. I read a few of your writes, to get an idea of what the author is about. You’re top notch.

Many thank yous for such a generous review, truly mean that. Must admit, I write as I think – randomly! Obviously a little editing is done but probably not enough – but I try.

The topnotch will do very nicely and is much appreciated. But, the pressure’s on now!!! 🙂

I didn’t feel this until very recently, but now I do.
You stated my state of mind and heart here, Green.
j.

I’m hoping that’s true for me. Someday I’ll know for sure. 🙂

Short and sweet

We are always at the starting point of a new beginning, and that’s exactly where we’re meant to be 🌼

I used to ponder such things and wrestle with the all-too-powerful fate and the places and predicaments it put me in. Now in old age, I’m inclined to see it as you do.

The King of Metaphor,

jacob, I’ve often marveled at the unique originality of your stunning analogical imagery … this piece is overflowing with this brilliance.
I mean, who else would/could have come up with such a title that morphs from raw fish into emotional human vibrance, with but a few strokes of a ultra-creative, skilled pen?

How slippery relationships can all too often be, or become, just like this poem.
I really got a knowing smile outta this’n … thanks, Jacob! ⁓ Richard🖌

I’ve read through this so many times and I have now somehow managed to lose count of the various ways in which I have so far managed to interpret it .. Indeed, such variances can only be satisfactorily juxtaposed against the vibrant backcloth of human relationships that I know from both personal and professional experience to exist .. You have such a unique way with words Jacob it has the JEC stamp running all the way through it .. Neville

Thank you for your very kind review, Neville. I am so pleased to see that many of our WC family have found a new home, and a comfortable one at that.
j.

A haunting, beautifully layered meditation on loss, memory, and ritual. The imagery is vivid and intimate, moving effortlessly between grief, remembrance, and fleeting moments of connection. The poem lingers like smoke, both tender and unflinching.