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That's the spirit, Adi! "Let them try". Just yesterday there was legislation in one particular country which is blatant voter suppression. What does it matter what name a woman uses after marriage? Ridiculous and downright evil. I think women need to fight dirty. I, for one, will have their back. The tears over remembered pets are special ones. I wrote about Patches, and I can still feel his body snuggled into mine at night even after all these years. It was the beginning of an intense love for dogs in particular and animals in general. God bless them for what they do. Verse bullets? I love that. Haiku can really pack a punch which is why I often gravitate towards them. I write so many out and about that never get written down, but they still serve their purpose in categorizing my thoughts, fears, and desires. Always love to hear from you, Adi. You have a poet's heart and are a lovely man.

I have never had an animal that didn't possess its own unique personality. So many have graced my life and left too soon, but they all still make me smile with their antics. Believe it or not, I can wake up in the morning riding a horse, remembering its gait as if it's really happening. Happy I could make you smile, brother. Cheers!

In a world gone mad, we can always count on the loyalty and comfort of those who love us, entertain us, and comfort us. I have had dogs, cats, and horses my entire life, and I can't adequately express the gratitude I have for these varied characters who colored my life. Loneliness is a part of so many lives, but our animal friends soothe us when we need it. Even in the middle of the night, I waken to reach for my best friend. Thank you, my friend. Of all the varied forms of poetry, Haiku are my favorite for the blunt power they can hold. Cheers! G

I doubt many born in this century would understand the things we've seen, Bill. There was a rigidity back then that fortunately slowly faded away, but those attitudes were deeply ingrained. I guess it makes sense that they would rear their ugly heads again. Let's face it... some media is incredibly dangerous, lying and scaring people who do not have a good education system. "Keep 'em stupid' is real, and has its goals. You're right that this populist movement is happening all around the world, but we are seeing it handed some defeats, and that is heartening. I would say we can only pray for the return of sanity and fairness, but 'pray' has become representative of a truly ugly form of so-called Christianity. Bob Dylan lyrics have never been more apt than they are today. Thanks for your engagement. It's more than I could hope for after jotting down a few words. Cheers! Gary

Thank you, Albert! Thanks, @clochette Thanks, @dughlas

Thank you, Doc. As always, I appreciate your support. Cheers!

Thank you, Tink! Happy you read these and shared your thoughts. Cheers!

Thank you, Albert! I always get excited when spring is coming. Glad you liked these, and appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Cheers!

The poetry anthology brings forth voices with something to say. Take a couple of minutes and read this offering. Cheers!

Read this! There is a message here we should all absorb. Cheers!

Amen, Bill! I love this poem and its message. We must respect life, whether human or otherwise. Callous disregard hurts all of us, and offends me deeply. There are lessons to be learned from Mother Nature, but only if we pay attention. Thanks for this! Cheers!

A tale well told, very relatable. A great example of why poetry matters. Feeling 'normal' is something many of us strive for, but it takes years and years to realize there is no such thing. Cheers!

My poetry for the anthology is posted, if anyone is interested.

As it should be. Let's hear it for budgie smugglers.

Thistle was a part of our CotT family, and he is missed.

Thanks, Parker. You are very kind. I never know what's going to come out when I sit down to write some poetry. Warning bells are going off all over the world, and the audacity of those in power is frightening. I love Haiku. I love the economy of them, for I am capable of being verbose. As a kid, I remember how women were controlled, and what happened when they rebelled. Surely saner minds will prevail in this new attack on them. Cheers, friend.

Like with horses, I can catalogue my life through my dogs. My first remembered experience with dogs was my bio-dad's two German Shepherds. They were mean and scary, and bit people. They were trained when he bought them. We were never allowed in the same room with them, but I do remember one of them licked my hand over the barrier once. I didn't include them for obvious reasons, but they fascinated me. I think we could have been friends. So glad you were inspired by these. I have a Border Collie too, and she tunes into my moods just like yours did. The thing about dogs, at least in my experience, is they give you what you need as long as you do the same for them. Their love is unconditional, but they have needs too. Thank you, my friend. I've missed you. Cheers!

And you, bro. My poetry is most often a balm, unless I am angry. I do try not to be, but my heart hurts to see our world played with by idiots. I appreciate you, dugh. I know that you too are sensitive to the world around us. Cheers!

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, friend. I think I will mix it up this year with my hanging baskets, of which there are many. So yeah, a couple of them will contain those pretty orange mini roses again. I miss them. I miss red geraniums too. And begonias, definitely. I worry for our world and that comes out in my poetry. The introspection of the past sometimes brings a clarity that can be scary. God help us all, when only a few rich bastards can decide the course of civilization. It's sometimes impossible to keep the faith, but I try. Cheers!

For Every Season With each dawn a new surprise Gifts from a stronger sun, benevolent in its warmth as it awakens our earthly plain Lily shoots weren’t there yesterday Nor were buds on dogwoods looking fatter, awaited proof a fresh kaleidoscope is coming, it’s wondrous pattern as yet unknown We are blessed to bear witness to this endless, everchanging array and I chafe at the promise of what we might receive this yea

Some poetic offerings based on the anthology theme of "Diversity". The Haiku included here are a departure from the usual and expected subject of nature, more reflective of inner turmoil.

There is still plenty of time, but at some point an heir must be discussed and decided upon. Will Reggi take a wife?

To have good friends is a fortunate blessing for anyone, and Reggie has those, ones who are there for him in every sense. His father's passing is very sad, but it is part of life for us all. Reggie will be okay, and so will his mother, but they will never be the same.

Very sad. Well done, though, Albert.

Hello, all.