Oh, boy. Romance went on hold for Devan; parenthood just intervened. Lucky Jade got found by the right man. And Jesse continues to grow...great chapter!
And even as the garden dies back, the roots remain vital and alive. Some root vegetables actually need the frost to concentrate their flavors, let alone give life to their seeds. Thank you so much for reading.
No spring without winter; you're quite right. I shall chant this to myself in February. But the rampant, jaded, over exuberant vines will fall prey to the hungry frost sooner rather than later, and the cycle will begin again. Thank you for reading!
So as the garden needs, so does the mind, I think. You're absolutely right about bulbs, too. Yet the passing of this year's garden is sad, however beautiful next summer's will be. Thank you so much for reading these.
Joey's road to something like health and happiness is likely to have the kinds of switchbacks and detours you show us in this chapter. What Allen goes with this new information remains to be seen. But Ticker's family is pure gold.
Thank you, tim. This time of year, when everything is hurrying to finish going to seed, reminds me how much the coming cold is essential to the beauty of spring. As all things rush to complete their life cycles before the winter, I cannot help but think of this deep, sweet secret.
October Garden
I am a garden overgrown,
of played out soil and mossy stone,
with rampant, stringy, noxious weed
where late the fairest flowers were sown.
What grows within has gone to seed
with grim mutations left to breed
and replicate for coming years,
infecting those who come to feed.
It's hard to set aside my fears,
especially as winter nears,
when cold must wither all that's green
and naught remains but leaves and tears.
So in December's shadows mean,
You acutely voice my own doubts. Such a pressing irreversibly transforms, and so we ask if the experience is worth the transformation. I am very glad you find things to ponder in this, that there are questions or images that stick with you. And thank you so much for reading from this collection!
You have a point. I cannot say much except that a rather toothless head of state would be a fairly colorless cipher regardless of wherever the seat of power lies. But then, I've never had to take that oath, either.
Events of my own this summer bring your words in sharp, clear focus. I listen to your words echo in my mind, and let them bounce off the walls of my recollection. And you let me step into a place I could not, would not, go this summer. Thank you.
How am I the first to comment on this remarkable chapter? It's all about healing and hope. Devan reconnects with family who love him; Jesse articulates his remorse; Stefan and Jesse develop a better, more mutually supportive friendship; so much is right, even in the harsh world which has left all three men hurt. Beautifully done.
Joey is at the end of a rope whipping about in a strong wind. He's been smashed against the wall too many times. But now, can Allen be an anchor for him? Can they tie each other down to life?
Thank you for reading this. It was fun creating the appeal to the senses, and if you felt connected to them through this, then the poem was effective. Again, thank you.