I always like it when someone starts with an object, “Apple,” and ends with the same object. This is good. I enjoyed it.

Yeesh! I’m hoping Del skips this one! (we’re planning a ’27 wedding). lol.
Your poetic strength is maybe lost on some readers, because you go deep like this. There’s geometry in this creation, angles and dark corners. I can take the weight, though, when reading your powerful lines. Because there is reward in finding the meanings and how we perceive it all. Outstanding depth here.

As always Mark, I’m so pleased someone gets me.

Oh. Daggers to the heart babe!
This write is terminal and has a quiet elegance about it.
The whole piece gets you in the feels.
It all tied together perfectly with the moth. I didn’t realize the significance of it until the end.
Just bravo! It needs to go in your book!

Proud fiancé right here!

I was talking to a co-worker the other day, about if we should tell our loved ones or not if we are “terminal”. Because it changes the dynamics of the relationship right away. Happiness is hard to have then. It’s always bittersweet from then on.
So, I began this write based on the dilemma. But then the whole moth aspect gave me a different approach, like a focal point away from the gloom.
I will undoubtedly hack at this some more, slightly, but for now this is what I got.
Thank you honey! It’s a bit heavy I know. Just a write I swear! 😉

This is a wonderful sad and bittersweed writing on a difficult and heavy topic, dear Styxian! The moth as a spirit guide is a well chosen and meaningful symbol. A moth knows how to die. It focuses only on the light and its overwhelming attraction towards it. I think death can show us what really matters in life. Gratitude for everything we have experienced in life, for the people we love and for all of life here on Earth. Of course, a terminal disease comes with many burdens and hardships but it also gives you the chance to say goodbye and to surrender completely to love – just like a moth does.

Jeez Mark, this is beautifully heart breaking and offers much food for thought. The moth motif is a clever touch.

Brilliant work.

Yes the big “C” through neighbors and family we are familiar with this destroyer of home, family, and bank accounts. We remember while younger a neighbor was sent back home to die with stomach cancer. Dude you would not believe the screams, the entire neighborhood felt relief with his passing. Maybe, just maybe this moth was also is spirit guide. To tight dude

Brilliantly penned, Mark. This one has layers and depth my friend, and it pulled on the heartstrings as well. Excellent write. Appreciate you.

Damian

I enjoyed this. It is full of images and captures the rolling duality of life and death, with style.
Regards James

Hmm? Power has many abilities and some are grateful for those abilities. Interesting start. 🙂

I love a good vampy story!
Especially in October!

Hoi hoi
When I was in school I had a girlfriend.
We laid paper in a thingy that she used to wash the dishes.
We poured ink for a fountain pen on paper, just so that it didn’t saturate the paper.
And then we made ourselves cry. Honestly. What you can do with an onion for a crazy painting!
You don’t really have to be crazy, but it helps.

And the tears diluted the 🫟 ink.
Come to think of it, I wonder what’s become of the painting.

And I still write with Fountain pens exclusively…

Needless to say I love your write.
All we can do is to organise the emotions of our readers, and you did that soooo well.
The spellingschecker disagrees with emotions. What’s happening with these Apple guys?

Thank you for posting!
Kind regards, Gus

Perfectly timed for Halloween 🦇🦇🦇🦇😎👍

Great job with the dialogue with this… excellent flow… pulled me in… carried me along

A little dark to start the day. With a vampire on my shoulder. Excellent, Fia,

I agree it should be read at dusk. lol
Thank you Adagio

Perhaps a nighttime read, with a lone candle lit in the corner, but then it’s a myth that Vampira(e)s are fearful of the daylight. There is the “morning delights” and a bite on the neck is always desired…. er… perhaps I shouldn’t have said that out loud. Being a Warlock, I do not want to let any Vampires know where I live. Right now there is an uneasy truce between us, my coven and the Vampires. And if you don’t mind, a word of caution and advice, please take care of that untrained Vampire and his master Mino. They pose a serious threat to the peace in the area. But be careful, they are dangerous.

Sorry, Fia, I kind of got caught up in your story. I can’t wait to see/read how it develops
-Curt

Brilliantly penned, Fia. I always enjoy your storytelling my friend, excellent write. Appreciate you, cuz.

Damian

A good start to a promising tale. I look forward to an interesting read …

Is this the opening of the Halloween season, we was questioning it at several periods. We didn’t read the part about this being about vampires. If you don’t read that you may get confused as to is this a gay piece or what. Now we have to find something dark but maybe tasteful. Tight piece Lady

This is heart pounding suspenseful story writing of the finest kind. I loved this so much. The dialogue was truly written by the great storyteller you are. This was true to the vampire genre yet oh so original. Loved this from beginning to end. And am so excited by the prospect of reading the two sequels. Truly great tale my friend.

John

I grew up listening to them. They bring back many high school memories. Nice one, Damian.

A beautiful tribute to Chicago and Terry Kath. I love how the poem captures the energy of their horns, bass, piano, and guitar. It perfectly conveys how their classic sound can bring both excitement and solace.

To find solace in the music. It is a comfort that I need. Nice writing cuz

There is something about classic rock that is so authentic.
The way it sounds and the tempo. Love the stuff!
Wonderful tribute write Damien.
I especially loved the piano is simmering line!

A fine and much deserved tribute to one helluva guy .. Write and rock on my fine literary friend .. Neville 😎👍

There really wants another sound like theirs, was there? I’m permanently haunted by the music of the 80s and theirs always lands on my mental and emotional playlists. This is a beautiful tribute, my friend

Chicago is absolute badass. I never liked the pop-driven 80’s stuff, and I believe it skews the perception of this band for many. Live performances as powerful as any metal band. Solid tribute.

I like it when you put us nearer an artist, or group, and we can perhaps learn a bit or just revel in the story too.
You’re an interesting man, Mr Damian. Thank you for sharing some of your talent and history with us! I enjoy it all.

Having older sisters gave me access to all types of music from an early age. Can still recall hearing ‘If You Leave Me Now’ for first time. Your words are a poignant tribute.

Hello Damian. Excellent write as usual. Never was a fan of Chicago. My parents were huge into them during the 70’s. The one album I do appreciate and own is their debut from 69. Terry Kath destroys it on that release. His playing is right up there with Hendrix.

Band like Chicago were so good and creative. We don’t get bands like that anymore. Great ink friend.

I absolutely love the music of Chicago. They rock my world. And your poem is true to the city and the band. I felt the urban pulse of he music an city that was vibrant and totally had me in the world of that band and the city. As rhythmic as a song and colorful as the greatest jazz poems. Enjoyed this immensely.

John

Wasn’t it Jimi Hendrix who said Terry Kath was THE best guitar player – EVER? Wow, what a sound this group had…what talent. I caught them in concert in my high school years, and was blown away by the “horn sections sonic assault”. I had a crush on James Pankow, but Terry was truly the heart and soul of this group. What an awesome tribute to one of music’s elite bands. Thank you for your inspiration, Damian!