Age old dilemma, for sure. I’ve asked this myself of all sorts of scholarly or “intelligent” people.
I steer clear of knocking the powers of a god-being, because some do indeed have faith in such. More power to them.
But, life has made me quite cynical. Therefore, I choose to believe in power of mankind as the true source of hopeful change.
Prayer is a fine form of meditation. Solutions come during that pause of…

I like this, and coming from someone who grew up in a conservative faith, as I got older I began to see things differently. Folks change the words to fit the narrative so that they can claim they are backed by divine power. It’s a scary thing.
Great work.

Brilliantly penned, Thomas. Excellent write my friend. The seductive spider that calls you back again, to seek more of the elixir that feels like home, only to start the cycle over again. Your an incredible storyteller brother who knows how to paint a picture. Appreciate you.

Damian

Superb contrast between the innocent vulnerable hapless victim and the absinthe and the thieving whore. God, you’re on fire, Thomas.

Like Jenny from Forest Gump; perhaps she can be reformed. LOL.
Your prose is spot on. The descriptive elements set a shadowy stage, highlights are found in the wording.
Great atmospheric build.

Your writing is remarkable. The details and atmosphere are always spot on. Nice work!

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Hahaha, it happens, but it’s not just street girls that rob those pockets. Do you know the greater manipulators and thieves some times sleep in our beds. The descriptions within your pieces are as always tight

Thank you. Much appreciated.

All you wanted was to write. The repetition of that statement lends itself to the idea of an escape hatch from something. And Jenny wanting a room, also an escape hatch. And that damn bottle of absinthe turned it all inside out. Loved the spider reference. Come into my web…

Lol. Thank you.