This is a beautiful portrayal of Native American culture. I love the part where she bestowed wisdom to him.

Most people don’t know the ugly history of the US. They do not know of the ‘Trail of Tears’ and the forced march suffered by Native American peoples. And some think it was only the Cherokee on this ‘trail’. It included the Cree, Seminole, and Miccosukee, and other Tribes. Many thousands died along the way. This horror is part of what they want to erase from the history books.

My ancestors (a long ago Grandmother on my father’s side), were slaughtered by the Dutch. She was Lenape.

Thank you Mary, for sharing, it means a lot to me.

I love Native America, Native America tales, wisdom, music and wolves, their howls and cries. and like expected of their music, the one you’ve shared holds sadness within its layers. I amdire your poem for the simplicity yet the depth it has, normally longer poems don’t keep me along the reading, but here it’s different, I read it all with no pressure, it feels like home, the Native America home… the burnt sage caught me because it’s in my culture too.
the sheer wisdom and magnificence of the final two verses are for real something else. True loves comes when You find your own whole self, when You win your spiritual test and yes finds the home in You (how I love this phrase!) You don’t need someone to complete You, You want someone to share it with You. yet, even that the broken hearted wolf knows this truth, he also knows that sometimes You must feel it all to be able to let it go or pass to the new stage. a truly brilliant piece my friend ✨

Powerful work. Tremendous.

Did you also read part 1 WAITING FOR MONSTERS?

I smile on both ends from that comment!

Since that day at 24, I’m ok on orgasms. Toys and strange men…sorry society. Women also! Yummy. A few things still trigger. Face front is the worst. Feeling restricted (held down) causes me to freeze. Or I see past faces that aren’t there. Some music triggers and some names, also. Not being in a relationship, I probably have too much sex. Last relationship there was companionship and caring – but little sex. I ended it. I still have a life to live. I can’t do boredom.

Your body was there, going through the motions, and that was it. Tough first part

Blushing now!

Well yes,I have heard of doe eyes before,I find them really pretty.

Oh. Daggers to the heart babe!
This write is terminal and has a quiet elegance about it.
The whole piece gets you in the feels.
It all tied together perfectly with the moth. I didn’t realize the significance of it until the end.
Just bravo! It needs to go in your book!

Proud fiancé right here!

I was talking to a co-worker the other day, about if we should tell our loved ones or not if we are “terminal”. Because it changes the dynamics of the relationship right away. Happiness is hard to have then. It’s always bittersweet from then on.
So, I began this write based on the dilemma. But then the whole moth aspect gave me a different approach, like a focal point away from the gloom.
I will undoubtedly hack at this some more, slightly, but for now this is what I got.
Thank you honey! It’s a bit heavy I know. Just a write I swear! 😉

This is a wonderful sad and bittersweed writing on a difficult and heavy topic, dear Styxian! The moth as a spirit guide is a well chosen and meaningful symbol. A moth knows how to die. It focuses only on the light and its overwhelming attraction towards it. I think death can show us what really matters in life. Gratitude for everything we have experienced in life, for the people we love and for all of life here on Earth. Of course, a terminal disease comes with many burdens and hardships but it also gives you the chance to say goodbye and to surrender completely to love – just like a moth does.

Jeez Mark, this is beautifully heart breaking and offers much food for thought. The moth motif is a clever touch.

Brilliant work.

Yes the big “C” through neighbors and family we are familiar with this destroyer of home, family, and bank accounts. We remember while younger a neighbor was sent back home to die with stomach cancer. Dude you would not believe the screams, the entire neighborhood felt relief with his passing. Maybe, just maybe this moth was also is spirit guide. To tight dude

Brilliantly penned, Mark. This one has layers and depth my friend, and it pulled on the heartstrings as well. Excellent write. Appreciate you.

Damian

I enjoyed this. It is full of images and captures the rolling duality of life and death, with style.
Regards James