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

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.

Wow, you gave me bits and pieces of a fairy tale example, Little Red Riding Hood. This is good.

Magnificent piece Damian. Great description my friend.

As a former redhead I had to smile at the redhead reference. The chill you build in this is palpable. But where would we be without our muse? Mine can be a technicolor bitch but I’d be lost without her. The places you take us, my friend…

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Mary. So glad you enjoyed the write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

I remember this spotlight. You both were amazing on this.

Duende is a marvelous woman. Talented writer. Cool person all around. Great piece Damian.

I keep hoping she’ll show up again. Maybe one day. I know a lot of people struggle with the closing of DUP. The transition to new lands can be a challenge. I miss her too, my friend

Thanks, Mary. That she is my friend. Hopefully she’ll see it’s posted. Appreciate you.

Damian

One of the best poets, and thankfully one I call friend. Her heart is big and forgiving. She sees the good in everyone. I wish I could read more of her, but when her poems pop up it is always special. Now log on! Haha.

Was nice learning some new things about her. Great interview.

Thanks so much, Duende. I’m glad they live on in a new home, while still honoring our former home. It was an honor interviewing you my friend, I’m glad you said, Yes. lol. To quote David Lee Roth: “We were laughing like pirates!” Well it was two friends chatting. 😊 I appreciate you as well, Duende.

Damian

This was such an interesting interview. I enjoyed hearing Duende’s explanation about the meaning of her name and how she learned about poetic elements. I didn’t know she was from the Netherlands. You tease out some fascinating material, Damian.

Duende, it must have been quite frightening to go for five years without any literary inspiration. I can’t imagine it, because you’re a gifted writer and writers are called. I’m so glad you found your muse!

Comes off to me as someone fighting depression. Finding away to move forward. Or maybe that’s just me hehe.

Great ink

Life is hard because of those rich fucks in Washington. Great piece. Well said!

Fantastic work. Powerful.

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Angel. So glad you connected with the write my friend. Thanks for your continued support. Appreciate you.

Damian

Omg, there are so many layers to this one. I read the comments above mine & saw where each came from. This one is a head tilted, brain-teaser. I see isolation, slight inspiration skirting around the edges, darkness peering though & the inevitability of death. I haven’t figured out an improvisation for that one yet. My daughter has decreed I’m not allowed to die though. Not sure that’s gonna workout for her but she says “that’s a you problem, figure it out.” If you know a cheat code on that, I’d be grateful if you’d share, my friend