You know some people never grow up and feel that the other person is always the one that is wrong. This is definitely on point.

I had to chuckle reading the intro. I have a friend who used to say “Stop being younger than me, dammit!”

Reading through the poem I was struck by how powerful it is in its subtlety. You say so much without skirting closer than the edges, stirring thought and almost forcing eye contact with the subject. Apathetic, sadistic narcissist. That’s the person this speaks of…but those terms should be in all caps, I think. Another thought provoking, spot on piece, my friend

Such a relevant write… well done dear poet

Sometimes you just can’t understand the motives of people and why they do what they do…why they act the way they do. George Carlin said don’t give a shit about anything. At times, that’s good advice.

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Brenda. So glad you connected with the write my friend. Empathy is important to morality and also it’s the guiding light of my observations of the world. It can be frustrating witnessing that there are some folks out there who don’t seem to have any empathy in them. So naturally as a writer I write about those kinda things. Appreciate you.

Damian

Well happy birthday then, Damian. You don’t look a day older than yesterday!
Your rhymes are on point, sir. The message obviously, too. But, shouldn’t you be writing about something epic from your birthday?! LOL. It’s a milestone every year, is it not?

I feel every word of this.

Thank you so much for sharing.

Damian you write the theme of selling the soul for wealth with the perfect rhythm to carry the banner of your message with striking power and superb song writing. I love what you do with words.

John

This is deeply inspiring, tempered with sagacious wisdom…making keen observations
without accusations. Using poetry as a crossbow is indeed your expertise, bro

Much respect

Naaj

Hello 👋 Damien this is really deep,
I unfortunately am living with someone like this who is constantly blaming me for everything and takes no responsibility for his actions.

Thanks for sharing this.

Wonderfully penned Damian. I know I’m late to this but I hope you had a great birthday.
W

You never know when your journey is truly going to begin. this is so poignant. This stanza right there is so perfectly said.
“And maybe that’s the point of all of it,
that a life can be shaped by fire and loss
and still arrive at something gentle.
Something steady. Something meant.”

We took the long way! Over this mountain, across the bridge. So many detours to finally arrive at the same destination.
A writing site because we had something to share about our journey. On-site and off. We were both going through it!
Changing directions at the same time at the same exact moment. Our writing hands literally bumped into each other.
They were our cars filled with ink instead of gas. It was Serendipitous! I know Serendipity is one of your favorite movies! lol
We are fortunate baby. Timing is everything!
You are my happy place, always will be.

And the poem is beautiful!

Thanks Damian. Sometimes when Del asks about my past, although I am truthful, I wonder if this will be a make or break moment. I’ve had some doozies! But, just before I “met” her on DUP, I was going through a lot of mental evaluating, etc.
Finding a writing site like that helped calm me and kept me from running the streets, so to speak. A refocus, perhaps.
And yes, she is literally perfect for what I was lacking in my life. A true companion that checks all the boxes.

I thank you very much for that, Willow. I’ve finally allowed myself to listen to the wise voice in my head! I think my “growing” phase was maturity taking effect more solid. Better choices, etc.
Your part about your sweetie and your reply is awesome. I have made a ton of mistakes, yet that path has gotten me here. So, who knows, yaknow? At least I am wiser than then.
Your comment is cool!

Thank you, Thomas. I hacked at this write for a few days, even. Trying to convey the closest to exact message that I could. No metaphors, no mystery. Just pure appreciation.

It takes wisdom just to write this. I’ve looked back at people I associated with for decades and ask myself why? I was used and spit out but kept going back. More than likely because I just wanted friends. Now I’m wiser, but what a bunch of crap I’ve gone through to get my brain in the right place.

Great poem and one I can identify with. It’s often we tend to think we’re the only ones who’ve gone through crap until we read what others are thinking. It’s good we chose poetry to express ourselves.

How have you been, Tim?
Like most, and as you mentioned for yourself, I’ve been through some crap. And, a lot was self induced. As time goes by, excuses get lamer. It was time to get my act together, for good. The timing of things just worked out, too.
I truly appreciate seeing you here, and on the site as a whole.

Styx, you’ve got a little Barry White in you dude. Someone once asked is it the journey or the destination, seems your trip to the moon discovered more than just cheese. Tight

I love Barry White! That man can melt any woman’s steel heart! And other stuff. LOL
Thanks ME. I’m still trying to post some decent material, so it’s always good to know if it works or not.

So much insight here. The words are very lived in with layers upon layers. And the end result is very well earned. A wonderful read full of human truth.

Thank you much, Brandon. I was aiming to write something as a tribute, yet also insightful on a personal note. It took a bit of hacking to be satisfied with the end result!

“..-Everything I’ve survived
and everything I still hope to be.”!!
A heart-touching, insightful poem. Well done!

this is a test comment … can you tell me if you see this!?!?!?

Happy Birthday cuz. This is one of those poems that make you feel…sad while telling you the truth.

Happy birthday my dear pisces friend… a big hug!

First, I hope you had a fantastic and soul-filling birthday. I have read this one 3 times now. I finish, sigh, scroll back up and read it again. It sinks into the mental marrow and stirs thoughts. You are a master of layers, my friend. I’m glad this one bubbled out of the “not yet” vault. It needed sunlight and shadows on its bones

Congratulations Damian on finding these words & breathing fresh life into each one .. Oh’ and on your birthday too .. Neville 😎👍

Captivating and intriguing piece.

You’ve got me hooked from the start. I was drawn to this by its title.

Strong choice of words. Exquisite in its own way.

A bold and daring read. x

Damian this song on mortality and the grim reaper was one of your very best. The sheer lyrical strength was formidable here. I loved every roaring line. You really made this come alive for me. I am amazed.

John

“Built a foundation on a fault line” I think this is a just as good if not a more accurate description that old adage of built on quick sand, because with a fault line, at any minute of any day, a quake opens up and swallows things up quick.

Great work here Damian.