No I do not see you as whiner or a complainer. I see you as being introspective and know how you feel. Good work here

I’m admitting the title pulled me in.
This was in unexpected read. How everyday should be like Christmas. The meaning of it.
To remember to be patient and find joy in the unexpected, like NASCAR. lol
I personally think if everyone would have a sprinkle of this in their
everyday life, it would have a huge impact on your daily outlook. Life has a way of making us desensitized from
all the good around us. Like someone who says thank you and holds open the door.
Uplifting write!

Adelphina referred me to this write. And also said that you look like a Santa!
Your gift to us is your emotional write here. It hollers out a plea that we all know, yet didn’t have the articulation that you did.
It’s a very entertaining write, even if full of frustration and the “is it good enough?” gift giving.
Well thought out, and written.

This is very good. I even went back and read it again, to absorb all that it offers. It’s well thought out. Quite an accomplished write. I love that it held my interest all the way through. Well done.

Compelling throughout & what a novel concept you have introduced me to .. Story poems so become you .. and consequently awarded x5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐plus the prestigious Nev’s dubble 👍👍

I liked how this poem came out. I never saw them (Obsession and this one), as Part 1 and Part 2, though I realize that’s what they are. A part 3?? not sure, it’s been 20 years since these 2 poems were written, but I will think about it.

Thank you ‘HER’. I am glad you enjoyed the read.

I chose the Lauren Daigle song, not for its religious implications, but because I wanted music that gives HOPE, and most of this song does exactly that.

Good stuff. Empowering with its message to the masses that can take the time and embrace it.

This would be my favorite sonnet I read from you so far. So powerful, so moving, and unfortunately true… Though, we women struggle more around the world, but I couldn’t help but see this as the test any human would have. I have to admit that I’m one of those who could/can not lose Faith no matter how much I’ve went/go through, I have to admit too, that it’s NOT easy when everything screams the otherwise. no one can live without having a certain belief in anything, and I’m not only speaking religiously here. You put all your emotions here, from anger to despair to empathy and compassion to HOPE… Great poem my friend, Thank You 💕

When I think about this oppression, and see how real it is, it becomes too hurtful, too much to take. Two issues that have fueled my revolutionary desires and dreams for a different and better world are the oppression of Black people and the oppression of half of humanity that are female. Your short comment is deeply felt, thank you.

Thank you Light. I took and appreciated very much the depth of what you have said. I think everyone has a “faith” and belief, even if it is just a negative self centered one. For me the question is how do we use it? Do we use it to change the ugliness around us? Or do we use it to hide us from this ugliness? I write poetry that is aesthetic and yet make the reader feel, feel alive, feel hope, feel that we humans can affect everything around us and this can spread far beyond the space we occupy at any given time. Oscar Wilde once said, “We all are living in the gutter; but some of us are looking at the stars.” I think he should have added, “And those of us who can see the stars find the ways to allow others to see the stars as well.”

I am happy you found this poem and left me this beautiful comment.

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