MacGreg

I definitely see similarities with the spider's determination and my own resolve. Nature can be a reflection of ourselves. But I also marvel how the spider persists on weaving a new web every day. I don't know if that's determination or foolishness. Thanks for reading, molls.

Aw, thanks, I'll take the hug any time. Thanks for challenging me with the Tanka!

@Mikiesboy I see them a lot. This one's been making a web across the front of my porch every day. She perches in the middle and waits. I'm sure she gets bugs at night, when the porch light is on, but I never see evidence. Thanks for reading my Tanka.

The cat-faced spider Weaves strands of silk each morning Vigilant, patient Waiting for the rich reward That seems to elude us all

I'm sure there are plenty of online platforms where this could be / should be shared.

I was late in the game to see that you'd posted a new blog, molly. For some reason, I still don't receive notifications when you post, even though I'm signed up to. At any rate, this new post is powerful and informative. I have not personally had experience dealing with Alzheimer's (knock on wood) however my cousin (distant relative) recently passed from it and he was only 58. I know that it's a silent beast that affects many people - both directly and indirectly. After my cousin's passing, although I hadn't been in touch with him for over 35 years, I made a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. It seemed like the least I could do, a small way to honor him as family, and a way to keep research and education going. Thanks for putting your heart and soul into this topic and for finding the courage to share it with us. you might consider sharing it around other places, too, not just GA. It's something everyone should read.

No hugs from here. Just silence, knots and a few reminders. xo

The sentiment goes both ways, sean. I'm late in responding to your comment, but the sentiment in this poem remains strong. Lean on me, boy, we'll slay the dragons together.

Thank you for revisiting and sharing your thoughts again, molly. The fact that it still speaks so loudly to you lets me know the subject matter is universal. For me, it's just as true and strong now as it was when I wrote it. I remember you telling me about the imagery it evoked... Thanks again, my girl.

Another great edition of "Ask An Author", Carlos. I appreciate hearing answers from authors I know well and from those I'm not familiar with. It broadens the reach here on GA and introduces us to new people and new ideas. I also appreciate the mix of prose and poetry these questions and answers provide.

A great start, with superb writing and subtle yet solid introduction to these two characters.

Welcome to GA, Julian. You'll find a lot of good people around here, writers and reader alike. Here's a forum thread for introducing yourself, if you're interested: We'll look forward to reading what you have to share.

What a short but satisfying ride you took us on! Comedy, thriller, intrigue, government conspiracy theories - all tied up with a slightly Men in Black ribbon. I'd love to see this as a short film, it would be effing brilliant! (in my mind, I did see it as a short film - because you wrote it so well). Asparagus-colored creatures who hate Shakespeare... effing brilliant, my boy. Great job.

Thanks for thinking of me with this piece, AC! I enjoyed listening on my lunch break.The composition sounds beautiful on the classical guitar. I also love this version, Chet Baker and Paul Desmond

In my head, I wrote a review for this a long time ago. Apparently, it never made it here. This was the first story of tim's that I read, shortly after I joined GA in 2016. Due to his great talent of showing-not-telling, tim drew me into his story immediately with a writing style that is raw, honest, and realistic in portrayals of circumstances and interpersonal relationships. As I told tim, I don't typically read or enjoy dystopian stories, but this one is much more than that. he focuses on how people cope with their surroundings, and in so doing, shines a mirror on our own coping mechanisms. What would you do if faced with a world void of technology and human decency? Would you give in or fight for a better life? This story will take you on a journey of discovering what people are made of.

The loss of a legend, for sure. This is from a great documentary called Muscle Shoals. RIP Aretha.

That is excellent news.

Best wishes to you and a speedy recovery post-surgery, Val.

Brilliant! I love that you included commentary about your journey developing the Tanka and the practice poems you wrote along the way. This exemplifies the complex process of writing poetry - which, as you so aptly put it - is not easy. Your Tanka is wonderful, molly. Christmas can be magical, and you've captured that perfectly. Now you can be counted among the brave. I look forward to future completed prompts that you share.

What level? I'm a novice, it's my first Tanka! I look forward to reading yours.

Alive and sizzling - perfect. I'm glad you felt what I wrote. Thank you for the kind words, Parker. This was a good challenge.

Thank you, Mike. Your words are equally profound.

Ah, A. I'm glad you felt what I wrote so strongly. The intended emotion came through. Thank you for reading it.

Thank you, Def. I appreciate you reading it!

Thank you for this, boy.