My father had dementia. I have written notes but no answering machine voice which would be really great. You’re lucky. You have some unique writing here. Glad I read this. Good one.

I wasn’t expecting the pictures this painted with words. It was so vivid that I could feel those memories even though they weren’t my own.

That’s a really moving and powerful piece. The way you capture your father’s voice and the layers of memory, from the “palimpsest of tobacco teak” to the echo of his working life, is just beautiful. It really makes you feel the weight of what’s been lost and the preciousness of that preserved memory.

Well done! An apt poem for this liminal season. 🌼

It takes a rare skill set to verse a formal poem. Colour me impressed.

Hi Rob,
Thank you! After trying my hand at this, I’ve realized that writing formal poetry is a lot harder than it looks, haha. I’m really glad my attempt still read well — that means a great deal to me. I’ve always admired the discipline and musicality of formal verse, so your words truly resonate. It’s very much appreciated.

This is one magnificent piece Romaj. Beautiful, atmospheric, transcending, mesmerizing. You’re a very talented poetess.

Outstanding piece. The rhyme scheme is right on, and the meter flows really well. Lastly, the story told plays out like a lilting song. You are surely gifted at writing.
keep doing what you do, you’re quite good at it.

It’s always a treasure reading your poems. The rhyming is fantastic and the story too.
I loved the stanza about the quiet song!
You made this look easy. Great piece chica!

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed it– and especially that the stanza about the quiet song stood out to you. I had so many different versions of that one, so I’m thrilled it still came through the way I hoped. It definitely wasn’t as easy as it looks, haha, but your kind words make it feel worth the effort!

Brilliantly penned, Roma. Excellent flow my friend with your precise trademark imagery on display. I dig this! Appreciate you.

Damian

Thank you so much, Damian! I really appreciate your kind words. I’m glad the imagery and flow resonated with you–it means a lot coming from you. Always grateful for your support!

I read this twice to bask in the wonder and transcendence of your poem. The imagery tied together into a dream of exquisitely woven artfully crafted tapestry of high poetic art. I could feel this deep in the marrow of my being. From start to finish this is an impressionist beauty as eloquent as it is profound. The ending felt like a release of your unbounded spirit. A celestial dance of unfettered freedom. Superbly composed.

John

Thank you so much, John. Your words are truly humbling. I’m thrilled the imagery and rhythm resonated so deeply. It means a great deal that you could feel the “tapestry” of the poem in that way. Your description of the ending as a celestial dance beautifully captures what I hoped to convey. I really appreciate your generous and insightful reading

Hi, Relic! I’ve gotten so used to calling you that over the years, haha. I love how this poem captures the chaotic, procrastinating, wandering mind of the creative process. It’s like watching inspiration play hard-to-get while snacks, horror movies, and classical music are your sidekicks. The pacing — week by week, half-week by half-week — perfectly mirrors that slow, frustrating march toward an idea…until the rain shows up, like a cosmic mic drop! Haha. It’s a funny and oddly hopeful meditation on creativity’s mysterious timing.

Powerfully penned, Tim. The life of a writer has peeks and valleys. “I’ve lost my mojo. He ain’t risin.” A reference to the Lizard King?? Probably not, either way I dig the write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

So, Relic, huh? I thought I recognized those keystrokes. Good to see you here, another refugee from that lost cafeteria of broken crockery. Nice write, Tim. It’s like you were looking over my shoulder.

I’m proud to say I’m a writer when I read poems like this. It has integrity and image. You’re a great writer, Styx.

Well I’m glad that you continue to write in here, Tim. To me, this is a group effort for all of us to enhance our abilities.
For years, decades even, I kept my material mostly to myself. A shy writer. LOL. Yet, no, open up and give and take.
Thanks for your encouragement Tim. I do try.

This is sweet and has many layers to it. I do like the way you say the moon is a coin.

This poem reads like a quiet confession beneath the moonlight. I love how the “white coin” becomes a symbol for time, memory, and love — spent, lost, and offered again. The dragon and unicorn imagery gives it a fable-like weight, while the emotions remain deeply human. It’s wistful, tender, and quietly generous in its final offering.

Your use of symbolism is a joy my friend.

Oh how to comment on this! It’s stunning and heartfelt.
Truly an epic write. My eyes got a little teary and my smile kept smiling throughout the whole read.
Each section took me somewhere new but the emotion carried over smoothly.

What a talent you are and a blessing:)

Beautifully penned, Mark. Into the book it belongs! Love the depth and layers of this one my friend, excellent storytelling per usual. Appreciate you.

Damian

Kinda like a romantic Lord Of The Ring or Game of Thrones, like this along with your word play within the piece. Tight