I can hear the ring of youthful sorrow, for sure. Even then your writing was excellent, my friend. Talent is apparently timeless.

I sense the merging of poetry and song .. it seems even back then you had something of a golden pen sir D .. Neville 😎👍

DAMN! If this is your 1st poem, this is excellent. Has a lyrical flow. Nicely said my friend.

Oh! This is damn good.

Wow. Fantastic.

Your talent was there from the beginning. Great metaphorical poem, Damian.

This made it to my book cuz. Beautifully done.

Damien with an edge! I dig it.
It has a great rhythm and flow.
Thanks for sharing something you hold dear.
It’s not always easy.

Damian your poem is as lyrical as it is deep. The idea of fear as a lover is a brilliant metaphor and I could really hear the melody of your words. Loved the creative flow here that took me into an exquisitely unfolding song.

John

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Mary. So glad you connected with the write my friend. That was what was so cool about it to me as well. “Fear as a lover.” Spot on my friend, Right back at you.. Appreciate you.

Damian

What a splendid start of your poetic work, dear Damian! Fear as lover is an impressive and convincing personification. Like a lover, fear can accompany us until it becomes part of us. Your talent from a young age on is undeniable. Great work, my friend!

The darkness is shown, but it’s the kind of darkness that fills the silence and quietness after a sweep of pain. there is numbness and there is the teenage intense feelings and his mind, the mind that feels that no one understands him. This reminds me with Nirvana.

There are those who say we have to overcome our fear. I contend that it serves a purpose…and we move despite it. I will shamelessly admit that life has left me half terrified of my own shadow. But I’m still chugging along and doing the things. This was a brilliant piece. I’m not sure I would call it dark though. Maybe smudged around the edges? First poem? Damn, my friend…

hello dearest Chris a very heartfelt write I hate cycles and I love seasons why must everything always be changing? I take my moments where I can and have become secure with being invisible I used to draw attention not intentionally but I did none the less…I wish relationships lasted longer than cycles and seasons great write ❤️

one of my favorites stanza And we’re right!
Always right.
Always, always, and in all ways …right.

I wish so many in my country weren’t so eager to bury history and relive it. Those 2 minutes of silent respect are a beautiful gift for the memory that shouldn’t be laid to rest

We wear the poppies but the message has been forgotten, and reinterpreted, with sinister overtones. War is hell, but it goes on.
Regards James

Few lines but it is a little gem here, a little masterpiece… You couldn’t say it better, specially the opening, when nature is participating in it, to proof it is the Truth. Bravo ✨my very dear friend YOU😎🌻

Powerfully penned, Neville. Excellent write my friend, this has layers and I love layers. Such a powerful message. Appreciate you.

Damian

Brilliant work.

“Carved from sheet metal / and painted in matt black” is a striking detail. It grounds the tribute without sentimentality.

This is so raw and open. I guess she wanted you to go on. Keep the memory in your mind but not a gravestone to visit.

This shines. Well done brother.

Powerfully penned, Neville. Excellent write my friend. I seen this happen with my grandparents on my mom’s side. My Nan passed first, and Pop went on for a few years without her. But he wanted to be with her, he was lost without her. I can relate. Thanks for sharing this write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

You have my tears… that final line was sudden and caught my heart completely. Thank You for sharing this with us Open and Raw (good title for a poem 🙂 ). This gem and masterpiece is not less than the previous one, each line is very special, cary the genuine of your emotions. I can’t really express how beautiful and special it is…Thank You again for sharing it with us🌸 please be well soon 🙏🏻💕