Parker Owens
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Everything posted by Parker Owens
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The lies, the little ones, pile up like snowflakes on a January day. I like Trace’s line: “lead with the truth.” Truth might not clear away every snowflake from Joel’s path, but it would eventually make the going easier. Not that anyone likes shoveling snow, or telling one’s whole truth. I continue to enjoy this story. Thank you.
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An Answer in a Question
Parker Owens commented on Jeff Burton's story chapter in An Answer in a Question
You write about darkness and despair far too well. Only around the edges does Elijah’s light show. -
Normal - that’s what this story should be. Alas, it isn’t normal in many places. Thanks very much for your comments!
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Fletcher is the man Tomas has needed for ages. It’s good that he can leave his past behind him long enough to realize it. Once again, thanks for your very kind thoughts.
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Describing music in prose is harder than it sounds! Thanks for your comment on that bit of writing. You’re the very kind of encouragement I need.
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Your comments have made my day. Thank you very much! And definitely, it’s a date!
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I hope you felt the fretting as I did.
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Thank you for this comment. Aquinas was one of my favorite early characters. Every now and then, a new chapter suggests itself.
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Each chapter gives us another layer in meaning to the title of this story. So many people have learned to lie, and not merely Joel. Cole has learned to lie to his parents about drinking and partying, and now it seems that Joel‘s family is learning to lie about his absence. Davin’s advice about getting out in front of his secret is wise, but it remains to be seen if Joel can find a way to take it before all the layers drown him.
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Until Joel can allow someone fully into his secrets, he’s going to hold the inhabitants of this new world at arms’ length. Davin may have found a tiny opening, but you only tantalize us with the possibility of hope that Joel might open up. That’s probably all that’s reasonable to hope for. At least Davin confirmed for us all that Trace and Celia are precisely what they seem like on the surface: solid, good people. I’m interested to see what develops next.
- 72 comments
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Your words really struck a chord with me, tim. I can completely relate to what you wrote here. Doubt is a constant companion, and my most frequent commentator. You express what I often feel.
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You surround Joel with care and support in this chapter, and let us live some of Joel’s apprehension at moving into Trace and Celia’s home. I look forward to Colt and Joel figuring out how to coexist, contrasting with Lacey’s guileless acceptance. Their gain will be Joel’s bio-family’s loss.
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This has been a beautiful story, despite its ugly moments. I look forward to watching Jamie heal and to he and Luca deepening their relationship.
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Cheering and celebration over the use of Mathematics! Huzzah!
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Mom’s brutal rejection will haunt Joel for a long, long time. The wellspring of her hatred must be dark and cold and unforgiving. Perhaps we’ll learn what it was, but what’s more important seems to be Joel’s own heart and stability. Trace has been a real saint in all this. One had to wonder if he’s been through this kind of thing before. This is a very engaging tale, even if it’s sad. Thank you for bringing it to us.
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Joel must be a saint to let a cinnamon bun go to someone else. More seriously, Trace and Celia have hearts of gold, and I’m intrigued by Gavin, Davin and Colt (it has a sort of rhythm to it - well done). Looking forward to more.
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I enjoyed this story very much. Jonah’s growth was fun to watch, even as he outshines his cousins. The last few chapters were especially satisfying. Not every child in the care of the state can be as lucky as Jonah; it’s worth remembering and supporting those who don’t have solid families and caring foster homes. Thank you for sharing this.
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My feeling at reading this echoes@Wayne Gray. There can be comfort in retreat and silence. Silence is sometimes punctuated by comforts we rarely recognize; you are as deserving of the sweet caress of a quiet summer breeze and the subtle song of thrushes as any of us. So too, as @MichaelS36 said, may what your friends here say bring some comfort to your retreat.
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This is fascinating. Even my theories have internal theories about who our narrator might be. I want more…
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This is hilarious. One wonders is Ryan will graduate from college as a standup comedian.
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All’s well that cooks well, perhaps. When Kyle and Frank argue, is it ever about the menu?
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Such a sorry end for a solid, loyal piece of family furniture. It’s the Devlins of this world that keep junk modern furniture in business, I suppose.
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This poem made me feel reflective, then frustrated. So many of the advances made over seven decades are being undone in the service of unbridled greed. The second tercet of your poem is especially telling. Thank you for giving voice to feelings I experience every day.
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You’ve made my day with your responses. Thanks a million for reading these and for taking time to comment. I’ll admit that April 29 was a real bear to write - again, my thanks!
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I’m glad your heart is young and resilient. I surely hope that poem keeps you whole and smiling until your 49th anniversary of your 39th birthday.
