hello beautiful Willow it seems we are on similar wavelengths as of late the world has made me cautious and fear overtakes… great write you are not alone ❤️

POWERFUL AND POIGNANT.

That phrase neglects something; It hides the trauma that stirred the mantra to be uttered. It doesn’t really make you stronger. It makes you “on guard”.
Your words ring true, Willow. Let it out and stand proud of it.

Into the book it belongs! Mic Drop, Willow. I got goosebumps! Appreciate you.

Damian

Mic drop!! felt this too deeply love..

🌹

Like the joker said “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stranger”. I think that’s a bit more accurate haha.

Great ink.

Amazing work, Willow. I find myself blushing and cursing myself for never looking at that slogan from this point of view. I gave no thought of that phrase being anything more than absurd for its stupidity. Not that I never knew the pain — or felt it from my father’s hand, or saw it when my mother lay upon the floor with one leg jutting outward at an odd angle. I think I preferred to ignore it, not from shame or ignorance, but because the pain is still there, buried deep within my mind, still sticking in the knife. Thank you for this.

Mic Drop! Preach, Willow, preach. Facts!! Into the book it belongs! Profoundly detailed assessment on how fucked up this whole situation is my friend. Felt this, gave me goosebumps! Appreciate you.

Damian

It scares me what’s going on. When the people really find out everything I believe it’s gonna be ugly. I don’t understand his supporters. Honestly I tried to understand but this is something right out of a brain washed cult. Don’t know how or even when this nightmare ends, but it’s clear the damage is already done.

The average American doesn’t even know how many females goes missing every year here in America. Where are all of these women? You don’t have to worry about the country, the universe has a way of resetting all wrongs. A country that blurs it’s divisions of government soon ceases to be a country. Allies have realigned and signed new trade agreements as overpriced food here rots in the fields. Great piece Lady

hello dearest Styxian this really hit home I have trouble listening and have let love slip away because I didn’t love myself enough to fully open up here is the pain of it…this is so very sad and longing but beautifully executed 💕

Thanks Crims. I’m not much into doing rhyme, but it’s a good practice for staying mentally sharp with creativity.
Love is a type of energy, and they say that energy never fades. It just gets resourced. It’s around us all. We just have to be receptive for it.
Yeah?

Evocative lines of syllabic longing. Just a relatable feeling

“Like a book reread, yet a page unturned
Like a match unlit, but feeling burned.”

&

“How it all falls, with a sun unrisen
How dark the day, you didn’t listen.”

I feel like these lines tie the theme together well.

Like Crim, I’m always trying to still the grinding in my brain and it’s a challenge for some of us…so many missed opportunities at genuine connection lost on being somewhat crazy lol. It seems that ‘longing’ has become a guilty pleasure for me lately haha. Yes, just shut up and listen to the wind….

Always great to see a DUP veteran poet posting something new…great choice of rhyme and slant rhyme….kinda takes me home again, if only momentarily…all those moments I didn’t listen, and I always appreciate a good use of anaphora.

Thank you!

I swear to everything solid, I have been here. But you painted both the lonely who faded & went away & the left behind. That was an incredible image. Those left behind don’t always care though. Mine didn’t. But many do & this is a gentle reminder to listen & take nothing for granted…least of all love

I can relate Styx. Even your rhyming skills are polished. Great poem.

I truly appreciate the,artistry of your cadenced flow. A fitting requirement for the death of love. Well done, well done.

Beautifully penned, Mark. Love the imagery my friend, amazing rhymes, excellent write. My favorite lines:
“How it all falls, with a sun unrisen
How dark the day, you didn’t listen.”
Appreciate you.

Damian

I’m not adverse to rhyme as it can accentuate the emotions expressed. You work this well.

Oh Lordy. How to comment on this!! I got teary eyed while reading. It hits home on a personal note as I’m sure you know.
It is a beautiful write. I feel like I can touch it, it’s so real. This is perfect. Just like you:)

But honey, you’re biased! LOL.
I rarely do rhymes. But, yeah, we gotta stay sharp right?
Smooch!

This poem aches with quiet truth–and is so beautifully written. The way love doesn’t end in an instant, but fades through silence and small distances. The repetition of “gone is” feels like the echo of a heart breaking, and the candle’s hiss at the end is such a perfect image of love’s final breath. Haunting, tender, and deeply human.