I grew up listening to them. They bring back many high school memories. Nice one, Damian.

A beautiful tribute to Chicago and Terry Kath. I love how the poem captures the energy of their horns, bass, piano, and guitar. It perfectly conveys how their classic sound can bring both excitement and solace.

To find solace in the music. It is a comfort that I need. Nice writing cuz

There is something about classic rock that is so authentic.
The way it sounds and the tempo. Love the stuff!
Wonderful tribute write Damien.
I especially loved the piano is simmering line!

A fine and much deserved tribute to one helluva guy .. Write and rock on my fine literary friend .. Neville 😎👍

There really wants another sound like theirs, was there? I’m permanently haunted by the music of the 80s and theirs always lands on my mental and emotional playlists. This is a beautiful tribute, my friend

Chicago is absolute badass. I never liked the pop-driven 80’s stuff, and I believe it skews the perception of this band for many. Live performances as powerful as any metal band. Solid tribute.

I like it when you put us nearer an artist, or group, and we can perhaps learn a bit or just revel in the story too.
You’re an interesting man, Mr Damian. Thank you for sharing some of your talent and history with us! I enjoy it all.

Having older sisters gave me access to all types of music from an early age. Can still recall hearing ‘If You Leave Me Now’ for first time. Your words are a poignant tribute.

Hello Damian. Excellent write as usual. Never was a fan of Chicago. My parents were huge into them during the 70’s. The one album I do appreciate and own is their debut from 69. Terry Kath destroys it on that release. His playing is right up there with Hendrix.

Band like Chicago were so good and creative. We don’t get bands like that anymore. Great ink friend.

I absolutely love the music of Chicago. They rock my world. And your poem is true to the city and the band. I felt the urban pulse of he music an city that was vibrant and totally had me in the world of that band and the city. As rhythmic as a song and colorful as the greatest jazz poems. Enjoyed this immensely.

John

Wasn’t it Jimi Hendrix who said Terry Kath was THE best guitar player – EVER? Wow, what a sound this group had…what talent. I caught them in concert in my high school years, and was blown away by the “horn sections sonic assault”. I had a crush on James Pankow, but Terry was truly the heart and soul of this group. What an awesome tribute to one of music’s elite bands. Thank you for your inspiration, Damian!

Lovely and well written piece about US.
Your work is appreciated by me and I’m sure by all of US.

💋

I’ve been out of the country for last month… I will do better on commenting

hello beautiful Fia thank you I try to particpate as much as possible some days I’m just not in the mood to read and I don’t want to leave half felt comments….I appreciate what you’re doing here ❤️

Like many social situations, this too is basically a circle. We all share the desire to write, obviously. And, to be seen a little bit perhaps, that we aren’t invisible. But it is a give and take. Like teamwork.
The site itself is doing fine. It is designed decently, and anyone with some sense can figure it out eventually. Even me!
Also, you obviously have your own life to live, Fia, yet you are doing a great job running things here. That is commendable.
You’ve been a big help to many. So thank you.

Good evening, my beautiful people.

For the sake of peace, please refrain from drama indulging. That includes defense of Fia as well as accusation. I will be deleting comments towards either point of view. Let us be cordial publicly at least. The comments before mine will stay, for the sake of neutrality.

Message me if you have any questions or concerns, my inbox is quite lonely. I will be cooking in the mean time.

When I first heard about this site I was cautious to join being it was unfamiliar. Now I’m not only glad to be here, but thankful to you fia for caring so much and being there when we need you. You’re a blessing to this community of writers who just want to express themselves in a way they can’t outside these halls. I always make an effort to comment on others work when I can even if they don’t comment back. Let’s hope Stars Rite grows with even more writers down the road.

Great comment Tim.
I just want to read good stuff, yaknow? Drama is for the TV, lol.

Hoi hoi Chère F.,
Hope this finds you well.

I envy your energy and drive to (very kindly and easy going) keep the StrarsRite afloat.
You may remember my coops in the DUP with women mostly. More often than not fuelled by the thought that even today it is more difficult for women to find a stage and also because they write the kind of poems/lyrics I can easily relate to.

At the same time, I believe we must be realistic. Since Corona the forum life as we knew it is diminishing. Not where importance and influence is concerned, but volume-wise.

In my opinion fora are still playing an important role in my life and the life’s of many, many other people.
But at the same time, the number of listens/people who check out and read the lyrics of 4 years ago seem to be unreachable (if you know what I mean).

Loving me (with DUP’s Faith Maree) lured an estimated 12.500 people to come and listen (gitaarnet.nl/forum + SongwritersintheKitchen). I could prove what I say, but hey, would I lie to you?

Maybe, instead of focussing on volume, may I ask to consider warmth, support, constructive comment etc etc etc? And you’ve been advocating this if I read you well.
What was it the old geezersaid: the times they are a changing? He blabbered a lot but I think this one is true.

I thank you very much for all the work you’ve put in this. And I hope very much that (instead of magnetting more work towards yourself) you’ll be able to invest more time in your own writes. And I mean real soon. Which I love to read so very much.

My ‘short’ analysis of the waives of the fora.
Thinking of a valued person in DUP, I wish you a blessed week!
Kind regards, Gus

Beautifully penned and nicely done, Fia. It is a wonderful community with so many talented writers and amazing people. I’m not full time at the moment, but always do my best to comment and be supportive. Well said cuz! Appreciate you, and all your hard work my friend.

Damian

I agree, Fia. It doesn’t take but a moment to tell someone that you enjoy their writing.

Allow me to add my sentiments about you and this truly wonderful poetry site. I love that a Poetry COMMUNITY is taking shape. In these hard times where art is being attacked and undermined, this website is a breath of fresh air, much appreciated and needed.

I am new here, but in just a few days have met and read some amazing Poets and poetry. I desire to meet and read more. How we treat each other, the kind of comments we leave, and the support we give each other are of vital importance. While I do want to share the poetry I have written, I agree, Fia, (and all the others who have commented above) the moral core and benefit from this site is the community and ties we build with each other in this sharing.

Thank you, Fia, for providing such a wonderful and safe space.

-Curt (redzone)

I just knew I couldn’t possibly be the only one who appreciates You & your brainchild .. I am not only grateful for Stars Rite & the opportunities it affords, but of course to You for all the hard work I imagine must go into running such an awesome venture .. Peace, Love & All Good Things to You Fia and all those who have already hopped on board & those yet to join us .. 😎💛👍

Well said – by all here. thanks!

Excellent piece Fia. Well said and well received. Keep up the great work you’ve done here.

Creatively done Adelly. I like the metaphors within this and the addiction related idea. Nice!!!!

Hey there Tim!
Of course I find a typo! Hahaha
It’s always after I post!

Thanks for checking this out buddy.
Just wrote today:)

Beautifully penned, Adel. Excellent write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

Crisp… resounding… well done my dear

This poem brilliantly captures the allure and danger of obsession. The golden imagery makes the craving feel vivid, intense, and almost irresistible, while the tension between desire and self-destruction gives it a haunting edge.

Excellent ink my friend and subsequently awarded the dubble thumbs up and a gold star .. Neville 😎👍👍⭐

Great piece.

It’s cool how you left the golden addiction nameless to the end but alluded to it throughout. I’m a moon girl, myself. The sun hates me. 😂 This was beautifully executed!

A wonderful romp.

Hahaha. I love that!
I’m glad you enjoyed the romp amigo!
Stay cool Adagio!

Hey there. I’m the guy in the back, late, but clapping along with everyone else. LOL
Awesome write, Del. It’s a tinge on the darker hue of mood, but it isn’t depressing. It’s actually like a scowl towards the sun, knowing you have to face it. That’s an underlying strength. Which you have!
Great stuff young lady!

love buddy? OMG it sounds like a reality show ! You ready? I told you that you have natural star qualities. Time to show up!

Cool. I’m your tin man babydoll.
My gal pal! My funk punk!
My grammarly mammories!

Tremendous work. I relate.

Love love this one! there is something special and alluring about it, (the sun was my omen) is a line that sticks in the head! All this poem reminds me when there is so much emotions and feelings, overwhelming and overflowing… and You don’t know what to do with them, You look at the sun and all You feel is You wanting to be it, wanting to expand with no end! Fabulous Bright Poem ✨🌞✨

Beautifully penned, Adel. Always a joy to hear a love story about you and Mark. Excellent write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

Hey Damien!

Thank you for that. He just got home from a bike fest.
How could I not post this! Lol
Thanks for checking this out amigo;)

Great job with this… tight stanzas… great flow… I’m sure he will love it

He better! Hahaha
Thank you 😊

I don’t need a harley. You’re all the excitement that I can handle! Your enthusiasm and sincere curiosity towards things is so addictive to me. It’s what I needed in my life!
Oh, and the fact that you are a writer too, as well as an artist with digital imagery, just cements the deal!

Thanks for the smile that I got from this read. And the thoughts! You made quite a Splash… lol

This was fun read. I hope you enjoyed the Tequila

I love the soft rhymes and whimsical flow — the poem beautifully mixes playful with intimate longing, like a tide carrying desire and anticipation.

Oooo! This is SO sweet! I will love anything with mermaids! and when I was reading along your poem, I was thinking that mermaids and motorcycles (or let’s us say the RIDER of motorcycle😎) would make a unique amazing couple! this was fun to read, I bet Mark was smiling when he read it as I’m smiled too😊.