Phenomenally penned, Tim. You’re a great storyteller my friend, felt like a western to me. Excellent write. Appreciate you.

Damian

This does give a western vibe. I like the listening to the tree to hear the screaming.

I normally do not read the short story section, but I was curious, so…
Revenge is sometimes blinding. This write shows that to be true.
Your story reads fluid, interesting, carrying the scenes forward really well. The epilogue (of sorts) leaves the reader pondering, perhaps for a continuation.
Great write, Tim.

This was very engaging. Some of those dead have unfinished business. Great ink.

Hi Tim!
This reminds me of an episode of Hell on Wheels! And the pic really reinforces the tone of the story.
Gritty with emotion and guns. How it was back then. Black and white with a lot of dust instead of grey.
Truly enjoyed the read amigo. It’s nice seeing friends post in different categories.

Tim you have mastered the art of putting so much action, plot development, and powerfully emotional story telling into the short story form. This takes you into the heart of Joshua and his tragic mistake leading to his ending. Gritty and strong telling of this tale that engaged me as I read. Not a line wasted. A perfect economy of words that brings this tale home in a big way.

John

This is so tender
Favorite part is how you ended it

“with not one hint

of a beginning, no signs of a

middle nor trace of an imminent end even”

“These words may have no beginning”… they have no end either… Enchanting, captivating, breathtaking… passionate as only how passion should be. this is a masterpiece of poetry and love, though the reader smiles as they read, yet it pulls a tender tear from the heart, a tear of love. Mr. Ken would be joyous reading this. beyond gorgeous….

Beautiful work.

Beautifully penned, Neville. A very delicate write my friend. Excellent work.. Appreciate you.

Damian

After reading the comments above, what could I possibly say? Hopefully, and it’s not just my wishful thinking it is the end part that is “real”. But that middle should be “real” as well. Damn Neville, your poem makes the reader (me) hope it is all “real” (and yes, even the fantasy parts!!) The sum of all these parts is: I loved reading your poem, Neville!!!!!!!!!

Curt

I remember this song well. Tremendous work. You nailed it.

She was “tasty”…er… perhaps I should have kept that to myself. ;0) In the end, though, she was the one who consumed me. Isn’t this the way all ‘obsessions’ end?!!

Mary, searching for and posting this older poem, was worth getting the comment you left. I’m glad you “loved everything about it.”

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 ✨

That’s a beautiful expression of hope and yearning! The central metaphor of the garden, particularly the image of “putting my hands in your dark soil,” really captures a deep desire for creation and connection, even when starting “late in life.”

AWWW Valuptas, your are making me blush. I was going to go food shopping this morning but now I can’t, my face is too red. What will the neighbors think?? They will ask questions and then laugh. At some point, my face will return to normal, but until then, THANK YOU so much for being “pulled in”. OMG, I’m still blushing…. HELP!!! ;0)