Headstall

It was a great game. Thanks for the review, buddy. Chapter two posted today, and chapter three should post tomorrow.

Like specters in the night, that pain revisits well past its sensible expiration date. These are my ghosts, these memories that coalesce out of thin air, able to make me reel from the onslaught of their agonies. Not necessarily a bad thing, for they have kept me from making mistakes. Writing is like purging, even if the cleansing is temporary. I like the 'fishing' Haiku too. I don't remember catching anything, but I remember the mud and the minnows around my feet. Thanks, dugh. One more chapter to go... hopefully tomorrow.

Yes, it definitely is. What is wonderful about love is that perfection can come in any form, and it is the feelings we carry and share that makes someone perfect. Your first sentence says that beautifully. The age spot Haiku is a special one for me too. The last time I saw my grandmother, she was constantly rubbing hers, and staring at them as if fascinated. She was a strong, sometimes harsh woman, but I loved her dearly. Peace and love, my friend. Cheers, and thanks for this.

Thank you very much, my dear friend. I'm happy to hear you like these, and found beauty in "The Scenic Route". Haiku are a great way to express thoughts, and I enjoy the conciseness of the form. Cheers... Gary....

Thank you, Chris, very much. As personal as "The Scenic Route" is, it was also fun to write. Haiku is a favorite form of mine at times. Cheers!

Yeah, the scenic route can mean many things to each of us. This poem was inspired by a private moment's jest recalled. So happy to hear you found it playful and sweet. I'm not surprised the second Haiku resonated with you. Thanks for reading, and for your kind words, Adi. Apparently I did something wrong in the posting, so chapter two was posted just now, and chapter three will publish tomorrow if I don't screw it up. Cheers!

Lessons Learned You plied me with guilt And coerced with your plight Took advantage of compassion To feed a need to be right Broken promises lay strewn Amidst real devastation With wisps of good intentions But never compensation No man is an island But you were a continent With a kingdom to rule And this mortal ceding covenant As far as I’ve come The damage still lingers And my soul carr

Thanks, Doc! Happy to hear from you, and glad you liked this Haiku.

A poem is written and hilarity ensues. If you have a sense of humor, read this. If you don't, read it anyway... maybe you'll get one.

I can only repeat what's been said. Bloody f'ing brilliant. I really needed to gut-laugh today, so thank you for this. The saddest part is that you are spot on about religious writings and men-driven dogma. It has ruined civilizations, and destroyed so many lives over the centuries, but still we don't learn. I have faith, but not in the ridiculous rantings of any self-proclaimed preacher who uses 'the good book' like a club. I must say it again... thank you for making my day. Cheers!

Thank you, Parker. Bewitching is good. The Haiku form is one of my favorites so I appreciate that you saw them they way you did. Two more chapters are yet to post... Cheers!

Check out Absurdistan. It is a thought provoking place of poetry, something @Aditus always does well. Cheers!

I like Absurdistan, Adi. These are more complex than Haiku, but still concise enough to bring haiku to mind. #3 is wonderful. I totally get #4. Sometimes it seems that is what it would take to start fresh. #5 gives me the same feel... a rebuild decided by the Earth Mother's cold intervention. #1 I've walked through those fields, kicking up the dried dust, and it feels like the whole world is dying. #2 Sometimes, metaphorically speaking, the earth needs a good shower. Thought-provoking and entertaining adds up to great poetry. Thanks, Adi. Cheers!

So... my poetry for the anthology has begun posting... it would be nice if some of you checked it out and shared your thoughts... if you care to...

Opposites attract, don't you know.

Hi, Terry! Good idea. I've mentioned her in poems before but I don't have one specifically about her. I expect I am waiting to pay tribute.... Leafs lost the first game to Tampa. Game two is tonight.

Lol... I keep her barefoot... she hasn't had shoes on in many years now... just a trim.

That too.

She's so fortunate to her loving son at her side. Glad it is looking better than last time. Sending her and you

Thank you, Terry! Sometimes I get in a Haiku mood, and there are many more to come over the next two days, as well as other poetry. I appreciate the kind words, my friend.

Thanks, centex! I appreciate you taking the time to share such encouraging thoughts. The scenic route is always the best route to take. Just so you know, there are two more collections to publish over the next two days, so please return if you can. Cheers! Gary.

The Scenic Route Whether by finger tips Or tongue Investigating skin Through touch and taste With nostrils flared as they feed I devour you Traversing the scenic route And marveling at how you make me feel So alive Emotionally As much as physically Whenever our hearts And bodies Collide This must be what God intended When he made you for me And me for you This sublime peace Mixed with des

Life is fascinating. It is both joyful and painful and everything in between, but there are lessons to be learned, and yes, treasures to be found. If we ever think we are in control, we are mistaken, but that is the beauty of our journeys. I hope you find something in these poems to give you pause, to make you think, or to make you feel.

Lol. Yeah, this book is over, but there is a sequel called "Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale". Happy to hear you liked this first multi chapter western of mine. It was a wonderful experience in every way, and while I don't usually write sequels, I just didn't want to say goodbye to these guys completely. Will, the Sidewinder, had a negative effect on almost everyone who knew him, and maybe on Coy worst of all, but holding onto hate does no one any good. Coy and Boone are happy in spite of him, so in the end they won. Faith was a theme throughout the story, and they have become comfortable with theirs as gay men. I enjoyed including that in this story. Love what you quoted. You're right that it is the little things that give life its most profound joy. That sharing at the end of the day... talking about what you've done, and how you feel and what you want for the next day... it deepens your connection each time, strengthening your love for each other as a matter of course. And yes, it is important it was Coy who said the words. He took those words of Boone's to heart way back when, and now he understands and feels the same. I love that man to death for what he gives Boone. And you are welcome. Thanks for taking the ride, Krista. I know you are busy, so this means a lot to me. I hope someday you find the time to read the sequel, but if not, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me. You give good comments. Cheers, and be well. Gary.