Phenomenally penned, Tim. You’re a great storyteller my friend, felt like a western to me. Excellent write. Appreciate you.

Damian

This does give a western vibe. I like the listening to the tree to hear the screaming.

I normally do not read the short story section, but I was curious, so…
Revenge is sometimes blinding. This write shows that to be true.
Your story reads fluid, interesting, carrying the scenes forward really well. The epilogue (of sorts) leaves the reader pondering, perhaps for a continuation.
Great write, Tim.

This was very engaging. Some of those dead have unfinished business. Great ink.

Hi Tim!
This reminds me of an episode of Hell on Wheels! And the pic really reinforces the tone of the story.
Gritty with emotion and guns. How it was back then. Black and white with a lot of dust instead of grey.
Truly enjoyed the read amigo. It’s nice seeing friends post in different categories.

Tim you have mastered the art of putting so much action, plot development, and powerfully emotional story telling into the short story form. This takes you into the heart of Joshua and his tragic mistake leading to his ending. Gritty and strong telling of this tale that engaged me as I read. Not a line wasted. A perfect economy of words that brings this tale home in a big way.

John

Classic…..made me giggle.

I thought you loved me….brilliant

Okay first stanza is the shocker.
Then you twisted it in the last stanza.
Mouth open all through this read. Then I laughed.

I enjoyed this surprising tale. That darn Agnes!

She’s appeared in two previous pieces. She’s the church bookkeeper who is stealing to fund her casino addiction.

Saint Nick might have a fondness for other pastors wives….he’s human after all.
🙏

I read this backward. I read the second piece before this. Now it makes sense. lol No Sparks,,yeah right

Oh this is hot. The wrist inside Tara brought her to climax. Yup very potent and erotic write. love it

Thanks so much.

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