Thank you for commenting, and more importantly, for reading this story. Survival stories are often as harsh as you say. But there was something irresistible about writing this one. Thank you for reading Andy’s journal. I’m very glad you did.
This was such fun to see our boys at play in the grocery, in bed, and possibly later on, in the garden. Geoff had a scare, and Tony has begun to teach Geoff when and when not to worry. But I hope Tony realizes how nice it is to have someone to worry once in a while. Now if only that pesky interview with Geoff’s mum weren’t such a black cloud on the horizon....
Great science fiction; so much future, but just enough present to make it convincing that this could be true one day. Love the planet name “Ichor.” And the ending is wonderful.
Carlos convinced me. The story kept me; this is a fun episode on a party planet. The whole cosmic order seems so much the same, and yet so different - a mark of a good sci-fi story. I enjoyed it, and I hope you do, too.
Thank you, Emi. Most people think of love as the river, not its banks or rocks or definition. It was fun to see it differently. Your comments made me smile.
Thank you for sharing this. It is deeply felt, utterly genuine. It is a grief that someone caused you pain. As @dughlas said, you help us see past the wall of hurt into a better place. And I completely agree with @Mikiesboy : do join Live-Poets as a great place to share and comment. Thanks again.
@knotme your point is well taken. Your note illuminates most of the blind alleys and overly traveled streets to which I referred. There may be more story, but it I cannot be sure what it might be.
This is such a wonderful story for the day today. Morcant finally discovers that sacrifice is of himself, within, of something so deeply ingrained he hardly grasps its presence. Perfect.
You have been observing my own thoughts, too. There are many well trafficked avenues and blind alleys for this story to run down. But it is worth searching the map for a path less often taken...
Oh gosh, your words left me heartstopped for a moment. You ask questions that are the very incense of sadness. Is night falling for these two, or are their shadows shifting under the clouds?
How I love the way you put it: neither man walked in beauty. And it seems harsh to realize neither man has a way home - not to any true home, at least. That is the core of this tragedy. It isn’t unique, but it is theirs.
I am humbled and grateful for your kind words of encouragement; that you were not conscious of the word limit (as I was) has me smiling.
Is love so like the river's course,
unswayed, unturning from its stead
where weather and the mountains led
that fate and gravity endorse?
Does love meander, sprawl and spread,
with oxbow broad upon the plain,
which changes with the pelting rain
to flood and find a newer bed?
Might granite face or old moraine
guide all our living as it flows
from springs where inspiration grows
to giggle in the brook's refrain?
Is love the canyon, deep and close
where ardor's sh
I suspect that the huge number of empty pews in churches all over the world is the picture of church is being held accountable, just as you say.
So many religious leaders turned away from the love that ought to be Christianity’s central message; as a result, many can no longer hear the voices of those who still choose that love.
The tragedy of Stanley and Jamie is just one of many.
Thanks again.
You make some excellent points. I never even thought of Lolita; that’s a great connection to make.
I think most catholic priests are serious and sincere in responding to what they perceive as their call. But how difficult it must be to have that thrust upon you.