I think about the consequences of opening my mouth & weigh them against the burden of saying nothing. If it has the potential to hurt someone, I keep it locked in the Nope folder. There’s a lot of insight in this one. That cautionary note…think before you speak…is never out of date, my friend

No you can not stay naive. Especially when you already was a part of it.

hello dearest Damian you are very deep… I’ve picked up on a lot of wisdom in you… the air can help but be heavy with the words… truth is just like that 💕well done…

Learning to “read the room” is such a great line, and your last is filled with wisdom. We live and we learn as we go learning from our past mistakes and learning from others.

Great poem.

Intriguing write, John. This piece has layers and lots of depth my friend. Amazing imagery and storytelling. Appreciate you.

Damian

Tremendous work. Powerful and vivid. Excellent.

This is so worth reading. The grittiness and inner searching, as well as a lonely desire dresses this up nice. I get a real California children of the night feel to this. So well done. Great poem.

Did you mean as he combs her golden tresses?

I liked this, Damian.

Oh, so totally resonates. I don’t know where I would be without my proverbial pen. And I spent far too many years perched in neutral…only to discover there is no such thing. Either your ass is leaning in one direction or your nose is. I prefer staying informed & walking the path that suits me. Shadows & all. And i find like souls along the way when living authentic. Consider this one on my reading list with emphasis, my friend

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Mary. So glad you connected with the write my friend. Agreed, there is always more to the story. Appreciate you.

Damian

That’s beautifully reflective—wisdom framed not as some lofty concept, but as lived experience layered over time. The imagery of seasons and fences evokes quiet contemplation, hesitation, even resilience. That last line? A soft unraveling of illusion. It reads like a quiet reckoning.

Superb work. Powerful.

Intriguing…

I like the contrast you used in some verses. Dark thoughts indeed. Well done, Fia!

Powerfully penned, Fia. Into the book it belongs! Amazing write my friend, with dark vibes very present. Appreciate you.

Damian

Thank you, Adira;))

Fantatic!

G’Mornin’, Fia 🌤️

Good title, and what a great lead-in with V1’s frustrating contradictions setting the mood for what’s to come (L2, make it “you’re” sad).
Boy howdy! You sure know how to express the angst so many of us have had to endure and overcome; yet, it seems some never do … sadly so.

You’re such a creative writer, Ria: I admire your keen ability to weave vivid imagery and emotion throughout every verse and in the use of spot-on rhymes, timely line-breaks, and smooth flow.
Excellent wrap-up verse, too. For rhyme’s sake with “despair,” consider using “there” rather than “here” (just a thought).

“Wake, wake from this despair! (great poe-esque touch)
It is me you’re talking to …
no one else is there.”

Fia, you’re such a joy to read and share with. 🌈
Thank you ever-so warmly! ⁓ Richard🖌

Very captivating.

Thank you, Steven;))