pvtguy

Keith definitely needs to talk about it, not to erase it from his memory, but to learn how to live with it without all the anxiety and panic. He will never forget his abuse, but he can learn to move on. Thomas' offer to be a sounding board shows full acceptance of Keith. This was a lovely chapter.

Excellent! The scent of a sycamore tree brings back a rush of memories of my youth!

So nice to catch up on the Devlin-Majors! As always, it left me hungry and living vicariously there. Thanks for the update!

What a range of emotions these verses raise: from overwhelming grief felt in the first two to deep reflection on our actions to hope in the final one! Well done! I am learning a lot about poetry from your writing: I had to look up "tanka" to understand its form.

Excellent musing on facing the next journey after this life.

No sure where this might lead...will there be crime or nefarious actions? You certainly have raised questions!

Another round of competing emotions: happiness for Phil for many reasons: he knows he is needed, respected and loved; Stanley's situation is most concerning; Jason and Colin are making progress in their relationship; and finally, Phil not only gets out for lunch and a makeover, but meets an old flame. So very well written!

I am in total agreement with @Summerabbacat regarding going commando: It's a bit embarrassing if the last drop(s) happen to penetrate the fabric and leave a wet spot. or worse, a stain in the seat of the pants! I find it more for either exhibitionism for the voyeurs! I am awaiting the effect of the financial news. Well done chapter, once again!

I like each for various reasons, not that I've ever been stuck in an elevator - I could only imagine the fear and/or claustrophobia. As for 17 and 19: my father wasn't violent - he simply stopped communicating with me at age 12 for what I think now was that he recognized my sexual orientation when I certainly was not aware nor accepting of it. I didn't meet his vision of his oldest son except to be responsible for the family should something happen to him. (Funny thing: that's exactly what I ended up doing!) I was angry with him for the longest time and have really tried to let it go, even if the disappointment does rear its head periodically even at my age! It simply propelled me to be the father to my son that I wish my father had been to me. As for 19: I was falsely diagnosed with a terminal condition 31 years ago and given 2 years max. So...I simply paid for my funeral and burial in advance. It simply has made me more appreciative of every day. I am not afraid of death - at least I don't think so. I have made all the arrangements so that my son won't have to deal with any legal complications (probate). I am really enjoying your poetry and the images it creates as I read them.

I'm not looking to a magical God who can just step in and kiss the boo-boo and make it better. As for angels, I do believe that at our core is a reflection of that Being some call God. If that is true, we can be those angels if we get active and work towards a better society through our actions, words and being true to ourselves.

Excellent beginning! My thoughts about number 6, God: As I've grown older and studied other "religions"/spiritual traditions, I have come to believe that the angry, vengeful, judging God as described in what Christians call the Old Testament is definitely not the God described by Jesus in the New Testament (nor the one described by Paul in his Epistles). Whatever Being means in its purest form is what I believe in as a higher power. Our finite brains cannot comprehend fully but can touch briefly Being via music, poetry, great literature and art, dance, meditation... If I had to believe in the angry, vengeful God that expects perfection, I wouldn't believe either!

I agree with @Summerabbacat - I believe Caroline has true concern for Thomas and is just trying to make sure Keith isn't going to hurt him. This was a nice chapter that helped break the ice with Caroline and Nate. There was no uproar with the church. The initial uneasiness with Bart and Greg has resolved. I loved the descriptions - felt as though I was there observing all the action and hearing the conversations. Well done!

Where to begin? Each is wonderful in its own right. Two especially speak to me: Nos. 1 and 15. Number 1 elicits times of camping in the outdoors, sleeping in an old farmhouse and lying in a feather bed with the sounds of the trees and of the night playing through the open window. Number 15 is a very poignant description of the current state of our crazy divided society at the moment. You have an ability I truly admire. With words, you create such rich images that I love to read but couldn't write in any way! Thank you for sharing your rich talent!

You know your apples! What a wonderful poem of itself and a superb analogy about humans.

What a gift for each of them: Colin gets to learn about Phil and relates elements of his life and Phil can review his life via the stories he relates to Colin. Hopefully, Phil will be able to work through his depression and negativity. I'm still looking forward to his meeting Nurse Sullivan's son! That will give him further reason to look outside himself in a more positive way. Wonderful writing!

I agree with the pacing of this story. Keith and Thomas are growing into wonderful couple as well as stronger individuals. It will be very interesting to see the reaction of the parishoners after the service.

In this 10th volume of the Ravello series, this is outstanding in its depth. This story focuses on Cosmo, Elisabetta, Giorgio, and Marco, primarily, with all the others making their appearance at opportune times. Marco finds a purpose in his life in helping Giorgio see himself as a worthwhile and worthy individual in his own right; Cosmo hits rock bottom emotionally but is saved by his brother, Luca. Betta rejects anything positive but does not drag Cosmo to her final consequence. This is a compelling and extremely well written story unto itself, but a superb addition to the series.

Ditto to the above. However, for as much as Marco sees second chances for others, I hoI pe he offers that to Cosmo. I'm disappointed in his actions at the moment. Cosmo needs all the support he can get. I do hope to return to Ravello vicariously one day...Ten is a nice number, but so is 11, 12, 13....lol. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent with us readers!

If not another volume (which I still would love), I still would like to at least see an Epilogue with at least a year lapse in time to peek into how life is progressing... Ok...I'm having difficulty leaving Ravello this time.

I do hope for another volume of the Ravello story to let us know how things work out....

Ditto to the above comments. I, too, worry about Giorgio! I do hope Tio Maurizio can fill a part of the void in his life along with the rest of the Ravello crew. He already knows that Betta had very little to no use for him, but that does not mean that he didn't desire an acceptance from her. Time and love can help him cope.

We share the same age and those seasons speak loudly! I agree - may the winter be long and full of joy.

Each is wonderful in its own right! I loved them all! Number 2 brought thoughts of the Last Supper and how its lesson can still be manifested today. Rich!

Teenage angst, hormones, feelings of attraction, fear and jangled nerves — so wonderfully described! This was a warm and lovely chapter.

So many gay youth experience violence from either parents, peers, society, church (any or all of the above). It would seem that more are experiencing acceptance, but there are still enough who experience homelessness and rejection. Will Keith's background affect his relationship with Thomas? Or will love and acceptance by Thomas help heal Keith? A compelling chapter!