Parker Owens

I''m actually an even more fearsome creature...a math teacher. Math can amaze and stun just as much as science. My students occasionally claim I am an evil monster, but modestly hope I'm something a little better...perhaps a merely grumpy dwarf or something. But you are right, both of these were experiments with a different sonnet form than the one I am used to, and my melancholy voice took over. Many thanks for reading and for your kind review. - P

Oh yeah, I can do plant ID. Too tall for the NBA, purple joints....a Hogweed. How to write a poem about a plant that nasty? And I should never have watched Alien...Thanks for the review, Tim.

It's a real plant, honest. Up here, the state environmental agency hustles out to eradicate it in tyvek suits whenever it is reported. It's so nasty, I wouldn't even compare it to my worst enemy or even my least favorite politician. I had to stand in, I guess. I am glad these flow well for you.

Good reunion. Chemistry is still there...and then?

I like the premise of this story...simple connections...would the connection be there again? Looking forward to more.

Giant Hogweed There grows upon the river's steamy bank a looming, umbellated tower in white, which seems to grow a fathom overnight while menacing its neighbors, wild and rank. Its broadly incised leaves will spread, and thank the sun for all the rays they steal to spite the other plants which shrink away in fright, botanical corruption at their flank. So like the Giant Hogweed am I made, the likeness is astonishing, I fear; for those who every caution disobeyed and wa

I now know that WTF does not stand for World Trade Federation. I can imagine that Dr.Keating sees something very serious that would require an inpatient facility...but then to leave it for two weeks? And it's already fixed up with David's utterly unattached and clueless father? No wonder David is feeling as low as he's ever felt. Donny at least can show David that he may be loveable and desirable, physically, and which appears to have helped David achieve a bit of clarity. This is probably good, if mind-blowing (and, um...er...also) for David. But Ginny had better be preparing to intervene either on or off camera, because it is very hard to swallow that this otherwise effective, caring and knowledgable parent could allow what is happening to her son right in front of her eyes to continue. World Trade Federation, indeed.

Enjoyed this month very much, esp. hearing from Carlos and Riley. Have missed Sasha Distan for a long time, so am looking forward to the next instalment.

This is full of simple, raw despair. How well you paint this, Skinny.

The power of snow is more than we can know. You have brought Corey and Jason together, and they have gently, inevitably, come to the point where they realize how much they enjoy one another, being with each other, playing and working side by side. The scene in which Corey initiates the questions about Jason's move to Kingston was especially touching to me. But all this will make Jason's Christmas planning that much more difficult. He should pray for continued blizzard conditions right through the New Year.

I am enjoying this story immensely. Clint is not the boy to try and bully, not that Sheila appears to have the wit to realize that. Donny's appearance was very interesting, and certainly Clint thought so. However, I agree with Spike that Donny might turn out to be a weak reed if there is the minutest inkling that someone might even consider speculating about his sexual identity. That would leave Clint high, dry and ready to cry. Except for Travis, who already appears to be a loyal and solid friend. And who knows, perhaps Travis might one day be interested 'that way' in Clint. Just speculating. Thanks a million for this, and I look forward to the next chapter.

The lifeguard seems to creep closer to the story each time. Definitely not Eric. For once, in the relative comfort of Eustace's barn, Eric can pause to think about what life is going to be like going forward. What is amazing is that he seems almost content with things as they are...no real home, no bed, one meal per day plus snacks...and he considers that an improvement. He deserves better, and can't see that for himself.

Eric has gotten subtly but definitely rewarded almost since starting out with Eustace. That kind of kindness is paying off in the way Eric is beginning to do things on his own. And yes Eric. could use some real comfort, not just the dream variety...

Well that's certainly a thought I hadn't considered...the redhead's aggression could be simple jealousy or maybe something much more complex. What an idea. But poor Eric us certainly unfortunate...

Just be Luke and Jackson. That's a good start. Just remember they way you kiss each other. Just take the time to realize what good friends you could become, what experiences you can share. Just live into what could easily be the year you both grow into who you were meant to be. The best year. What an excellent chapter, and a setup for the inevitable changes to come.

While David's interlude with Donny was undeniably hot and passionate, it appears that David is hurtling down a blind alley. There doesn't seem to be any good way for his current situation to turn out. David seems certain to injure someone when he finally comes to his full self realization and chooses to pursue Donny or Twoey. Thus, Danny's dire warnings may indeed come true regardless of what happens. In the past sixteen weeks, David has left a trail of hurt and broken (or at least bruised) hearts in his wake. Consider: Twoey felt discarded, and got stuck with Erik; Randy feels led on and frustrated; Alex certainly must feel disconsolate at the end of their romance; Tommy must have been hurt by the advent of David II; and Gary - best friend Gary - who knows how he must feel, sensing the increasing distance between himself and David? If David lets Donny go, too, that will add just one more person to the growing list of people he has hurt or disappointed. And let us not mention the remaining members of the Church of Burch who still live in town, and who still must bear David ill will for somehow bringing their tired, sorry charade of to congregation to its bitter and ignominious end. While I agree wholly with Spikey that Twoey lost any real claim to David when he abandoned David for Erik, and that Donny surely appears to be better attuned to what David needs, I think the larger picture is that David is going to hurt everybody, no matter who and what he chooses. Therein lies his danger.

My dear brother, how your words make me ache with you. My heart hurts for your hurt. But your summation, your curiosity and desire to see what is yet to be, made the corners of my mouth turn upwards. Perhaps all of us should get in line with you to see the second show together. I think I'd like that. Thank you for sharing this reflection with us.

There is calm and green and quiet again, where all was once mud and screaming and hell. So many died for absolutely nothing, sacrificed to an inability to think at all about the value of men's lives. We cannot in any way comprehend the loss of a century ago, when the dead were as numerous as flowers on an endless plain. Thank you for reminding us all, Tim.

You wrote something here that speaks very deeply to me. I was moved to tears. The last stanza, the day will come when we're one made me yearn to be better than I am, and hope for the strength to stand with those who need our help and protection. Your words humble me.

Dear Gary. I love this poem. I applaud it and hope you will find some comfort in your struggle. Exactly what heights do I scale from here? I recognize this question, and understand it intimately. With some chapters written, the pages are filling. But not yet full. And just a few words can change the meaning of an entire story. Great metaphor. While the sun still rises and the road stretches long I intend to stride forth and keep writing my song. These lines sound exactly like what you are writing about! Waiting on the lee side is another gifted chance To turn a crab’s crawl into a sea lion’s dance. This image is going to stick with me a very long time. I am delighted with it. It's cadence brings the poem to a splendid conclusion.

Fine scotch, indeed. Your observation about one single change to upper case is adroit and fascinating. I did not see God in animus to planetary motion, rather the mistaken adherents of poor translations of Ptolemy, who did not insist on geocentrism. You make me wonder about the subconscious in your comments on Aspiration, and you are possibly right. The accomplishment in either one is that you feel responsive to them. You are most kind, and I am all ablush.

These are wonderfully descriptive and I can see the world through your words. Your style is developing into something all your own.

Now celebrate the bear so soft, and on our shoulders bear aloft the ursine one whose day we cheer, 'cause Bear is older by a year! Happy Birthday!

You are so very kind and generous in your praise. I am so happy you found this enjoyable. It was fun to poke at the academe, and play with what occurred to me. And math does make a great foil...we love nerds for lots of reasons, no?

I am so very happy you enjoyed this, Gary. We don't always get to back to school and like it.