I'm enjoying your approach. It's like turning these word prompts into a kind of verbal Rorschach. Looking forward to how succinct you can make the next one.
I'm kind of flabbergasted. I knew I enjoyed writing this. To receive such a lovely and encouraging response though, well, it has left me kind of tongue-tied.
All I can really say is I'm genuinely grateful you took the time to share these kind words. Thank you.
I've read every chapter and I'd really like to see more. I do hope you'll share an ending.
I don't actively seek out "beautiful boy teenage love" stories, but I came across yours in the Most Favorited Stories link, started in, and stayed till the end.
If nothing else, know that this story is still snagging new readers.
In hope of closure,
PBax
The pond ice settles
Pops and pings reverberate
Frozen reeds take heed
Yearning for spring is pointless
Pause heavily for rebirth
The walnut tree creaks
Another limb drops to death
Needs of fruit denied
What remains feeds more deeply
The root does its job blindly
Coyotes howl clear
Trysts of heat in bitter cold
Loud cries of yearning
Sparks of life not yet a pack
The womb holds fast till April
Fire takes me aside
Dancing with my shivering
No time to stagnate
Rest prune
Your welcoming words mean a lot. Thank you.
I have to admit that I chose this story prompt not just because it was recent, but because it jangled some nerves that made me uncomfortable. That I was able to turn it into anything anyone would want to read more of is incredibly humbling.
Thanks again for the boost.
Simple Man -- Lynyrd Skynyrd
If you want to know what it's like to listen to this song without tears, I'm not the one to ask.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O_oI7woYGc
“Damn it! I bet that one left a scratch.” Barely 15 m.p.h. registered on the speedometer. Where the hell did they find this vicious gravel? “And when the fuck am I supposed to find time to fix potholes?” Steve screamed out loud and to no one. He stopped the truck, got out and took a leak. He’d only made it a mile down the gravel road. With another mile to go it was this or soak the seat of his new truck. He got back in, sank into the seat and reached for the liter of vodka tucked into his duffel