Foolishness
I built a tissue paper palace grand,
an edifice Mad Ludwig could applaud,
with crenelated battlements unflawed,
foundations built upon the finest sand.
No better could be found on hill or strand,
yet shame and fear my inward being gnawed,
that all my fair construction was a fraud;
yet even so, I further building planned.
Alas, my engineering was in vain,
for though it looked both beautiful and bold,
my pretty structure could not stand the rain,
nor was it saf
Luke took an sizeable risk to meet up with Jackson, and it was beautiful the way you described it. But then so many things went awry - Toby, practice, the video feed, and Ally, too. Her line was telling: did Jackson really ever know her? But then maybe these events will play out all right. It's up to you, isn't it? The
You are quite right in what you say. The image of the noose is really apt. And it is hard to be self forgiving even if one walks perfectly without a trace of stumble.
Awesome chapter. Cal gets a job, a real job, and on his own. And Davey continues to be a solid boyfriend, completely behind Cal. Looking forward to watching their connection and love deepen.
There is deep love here, and strong needs for both Louis and Donny. The house, the home office, all that was the easy part. Intimacy can't be what it was, but it can be something else. That they are both willing to work on this difficulty is wonderful, and you paint the aspects of that choice so well, tim. This is a beautiful chapter for the love you portray, and hard, for the pain both men must feel.
Very beautiful, startlingly direct, and hitting very close to home. One might wish fervently, deeply to be the object of this poem, for who has not dreamed of redeeming one's faults at least once?
Your story must have been hard to tell, yet so many need to hear it. The pain, and your hurt speak volumes to me. Thank you for sharing this and for letting so many know they are not alone.
And more injury is piled on. Nikolai, Devan, Stefan - they all hurt, or will hurt. Jesse, too. This is a murky, pain filled existence. You only hint there might be exits. Thank you for such interesting, though difficult, reading.
Leaving stains on the porous fabric of our lives.... what a metaphor. That one will persist in my memory, surely. Hot boiling water poured from a height can eradicate stains, but what a remedy! Even bleach won't get rid of all the DNA left behind, as you say. That trace remains behind to annoy, unbalance, and harass us. This is a poem of weight and substance. Thank you for it. And hugs....
You understand what I had in mind exactly. The swimming metaphor can be taken several ways, not all of them benign or neutral. And even though the tide may have turned, is it too late to go for that swim? It is the opportunity, the chance that dances before the eyes like moonlight on the water. But take it, and will the light still be there? Crossroad is both empathetic and wondering, as you suggest. I am very glad that these resonated with you, and that my own ache spoke to yours.
Poor Oliver can do many sorts of problems well, but not damage control. Of course, he was thoroughly confused, but you have a good point. I imagine Martin was terribly unhappy, too.
Your words echo down the ages, and paint the walls in tears for those who were maimed by these men you describe. How can they justify themselves? There is no answer except the selfish ego and misguided desire. Your poem makes us aware and awake to such men.
Thanks so much, Val. These have an unsettled feel, even as I know that so much is impermanent. I am glad you sensed this, too. May is what I intended. Thanks for catching it! I fixed that. Sough is a nice, obscure word - the sound of a soft breeze or zephyr moving through the branches. You are kind to have read so many of these installments. I appreciate your taking the time to respond to them.
tim, I owe you a deep debt of gratitude. You did a most marvelous thing for which I give thanks every day. And see how far your encouragement has gone today? I am glad you liked these.