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.

Nice set up. Can’t wait to read the rest

Powerfully penned, Benjamin. I concur with Fia, excellent write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

thunder, now passed,
praising rain on a lean-to…
this high & sky
full of mist & wist,

satisfied shine, rich
with daggered eyes in flight…
earth & alighted, poor
with cosmic delusion…

cockatrice glare
through fog & moon.

‘thunder, now passed,
praising rain on a lean-to…
this high & sky
full of mist & wist,

satisfied shine, rich
with daggered eyes in flight…
earth & alighted, poor
with cosmic delusion…

cockatrice glare
through fog & moon.’

Superbly but subtly visual, pensive yet explicit? Why not, sez I.

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

“useful idiots prefer brutality” killer fuckin line. excellent write.

So relatable… nicely done

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Mary. So glad you connected with the write my friend. I want music for this one. Currently I’m working on a song called, “Novocain.” The words are posted here on the site. I got the music laid out, got the growls recorded, trying to get a good vocal take on the verses and bridge. Which requires me to sing. lol. Glad to see you back! Appreciate you.

Damian

Brilliantly written socially critical text, dear Damien! You will definitely make a killer song out of it!

This is by far one of your best poems, Damian. Every stanza kicks ass. I like the Lennon reference and where you went with it. Great one!

Well this is strong! Like flexing on a page. It’s tight with its rhymes and meter, like a pro boxer hitting us with a thesaurus!
(damn, that’s a clever description, huh! LOL)
Powerful write, Damian. Golden gloves…

Thanks, Mary. Appreciate you.

Damian

Some people have no soul. The sad part is they thrive in their own filth. Great ink friend.

Enjoyed this poem immensely. From the rhymes, to the flow to the powerful message. Outstanding job Damian.

Thoroughly enjoyed from end to end .. No kiddin, write on brother .. Neville 😎👍

Fantastic work.

This is strong as straight vodka on the morning after the Bolshevik revolution in Russia. Very strong my friend. Truly a power tonic in this age of authoritarianism in America. You hit the bullseye. You are a master at writing song lyrics that rock my soul.

John

You know, there are times I wish you weren’t so nail on the head accurate. But these are dark days we’re entered into. Best to look them square in the eye. Brilliantly penned, my friend. Into the list it goes, as you say!