This was such an awesome piece. Thanks Damian for the opportunity. You’re a great friend

I think I said this before, but I love the back-and-forth banter between you two. Also, the fact that you both have so much insight in music is a perk.

Let me first say that I appreciate your testimony, Damian. I commend your bravery and affirmation. That’s not a slight on you, Keith. As both of you agreed, we all have our beliefs, and discussions like this give us the opportunity to understand each other. I’m glad it came up.

Comments on writing: Let me say that a very wise man on this site once told me to write for myself first. I think both of you guys do that, and it’s important to remember. Let me add that musicians with experience writing lyrics do poetry differently in comparison to those with minimal musical experience. There’s nothing wrong with it, but I sense both of you guys write to an intuitive beat because of your musical foundation and interest. I can feel it in many of your pieces.

As for people not placing comments on your pieces, don’t forget that you have to be a member to comment. However, it’s my understanding that reads can come from nonmember visitors. There is always a major disparity between the number of comments and reads on every site I’ve ever attended. It doesn’t piss me off. People breeze through and check out your stuff, then move to the next thing. It’s like making stupid decisions in a horror movie. That’s just what they do.

Wow, the parenting comments, Keith. That was a spanking. I get what you’re saying. I have a nine-year-old that constantly stuns me with what she knows. The tech stuff is scary. They need to be up to date, but they don’t need to live in their phones or computers. Still, I live in my computer a lot more than I used to. Social skills have suddenly become an issue for many. On another note, a bit unrelated, I’m horrified by the things people will say when cloaked by anonymity of the internet.

Keith, I love that you were influenced by cartoons… so refreshing to see that make the list. Believe it or not, I’ve actually watched some of the old Bugs Bunny toons, and I think they are brilliant. Your list of influences was exhausting. OMG. I’m always influenced the most by the last author I read… just a literary chameleon.

I’m a little surprised, considering you are both musicians, that the subject of AI didn’t come up in your interview. One of our members was actually generating AI music for a while on this site, and it was very good. I think a few other people may have picked it up. There are obviously different things this technology can provide, one being instrumental support. I noticed there was a discussion about the cost of making music.

Anyway, I loved the interview. I can see you two sitting in a bar somewhere hashing this out over whiskey.

Meg

Simply stellar writing…
No critique whatsoever.

I’m so hypnotized by your voice, Richard. I particularly love how you use enjambment so efficiently and eloquently. What a beautiful word choice… ‘beshackled mystery’. My spell check does not like that word, but I love it. I’m into iambic bondage. Hands behind my back. Wrists crossed. Let your chains caress my pulse.

“Tingles” (in the right spot) can be so sweetly enjoyable, eh? ; )

Thank you ever-so warmly, Ma’am….
I must admit delightfully taking pleasure in how your reviews always bless my senses a certain surge of enthralling vibration, too.
That you think this piece is sophisticated and nicely done, indeed, makes every stroke (of my pen … wink*) feel so satisfyingly enjoyed.

Happiest hugs to Thee, Lady-Adira! ⁓ Richard🖌

Gorgeous, Richard. Just that simple. Shakespear would be jealous. I appreciate the metaphorical allusions, and particularly the dialogue – which is most unusual for poetry. It’s top shelf seductive and intellectually riveting. The ‘Old English’ format adds a gothic aura reminiscent of a time long passed when chivalry ruled romantic endeavors and touching held high esteem in the realm of erotic motion.

xoxo

You truly have iambic meter down to an art, Richard, but you’ll never get away with ogling other girls at the bar. We are always watching your eyes – the windows to your soul. Kisses are a dime a dozen, but a wink in a crowded room – that’s a fortune in affection.

xoxoxo

Pills are dangerous. This piece was written with power & a great performance here. Well done!

How seductive the call of pharmaceuticals. Health, happiness, sanity.. all disintegrated by one seemingly harmless cure.
Excellent write, my friend!

I am sure he would be impressed by your ability to adapt to his style, which is not easy. This has a good flow and rapid pace

He does have a machine gun style, doesn’t he? Quick bites! It doesn’t seem to matter what style you’re using, you always manage to bring it home on point, my friend

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Mary. So glad you connected with the write my friend. He saw it on DU, I think he approved, if I remember right. Appreciate you.

Damian

I like this style. Reminds me of a poet I knew. I think his name was JustDave. He had a bit of this style as well. Great ink.