pvtguy

The bond between Peter and George is getting stronger! I am an American who would love to see stricter gun laws, especially in cities. I understand the use of guns for hunting if what is hunted is eaten and not just sport. Otherwise, I really don't like guns! I do understand that there are more stabbings in the UK... I would love to eat that dinner too!

That system exists in many jurisdictions in the U.S.

I love George's quiet, humble, but determined approach to life. He doesn't waste time when action is needed. When I lived in a much smaller town in another state, I had occasion to confront a bully principal in my son's school. Before I spoke to him, I spoke directly to the Superintendent and told him what i was going to say and do - and then I followed through in no uncertain terms with the principal. Knowing I had already spoken with the Superintendent, he backed off a lot of his ways knowing he was being watched. Must say, it was very satisfying to see the change!

As a retired educator, I will say that Mr. Dumbass Principal just lost his license and, I hope, will find "3 hots and a cot" to be his home for a long while! Peter is feeling so many new things: love, respect, support along with the stupidity that exists everywhere, unfortunately. Great writing!

I can only say ditto to the above! I love the realism, humor, and genuine love that comes through!

I did remember that meltdown, but this one was much deeper and much needed.

This was a very powerful chapter! It is true that Pete has matured well beyond his 14 years. I'm so glad he had that cathartic moment with Mitch and Uncle George. Now, it's going to be interesting to see how things work out with Carl.

Mitch was very courageous to out himself to Peter without knowing for sure if Peter was gay. Even if nothing more develops between them long-term, at least friendship is welcome! Tom was also courageous in admitting he was wrong.

I am another late to the read. The story grabbed me from the first paragraph! Yes, mom has serious problems and her family probably reinforce her actions. Thank goodness for Uncle George! I am looking forward to the rest of the story!

So reminiscent of Imagine by John Lennon...I love the imagery and the hope that comes through. I do have difficulty picturing this in a metropolis. I can't imagine raising a family surrounded by skyscrapers or row after row of apartment buildings. I like the world presented in your verses!

I love the give and take between Thomas and Keith. It allows both to be themselves and also open to new experiences out of respect for the other. Maria is another story...and it did allow Keith to start standing up for himself.

Thank you for your month of poems! This final group certainly evokes the hope of spring.

Silence can certainly mean centering oneself in order to listen rather than "talk". It is most difficult to do in a world that wants to fill every void with noise. Beautiful writing! I loved every one of your offerings!

So many themes and styles of poetry contained in this collection. Each evokes scenes, memories, emotions. Excellent writing!

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!