MacGreg

Thank you, Parker. I'm enjoying this project. When Freerider and I first discussed collaborating, it was around Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Hence, the topic of this poem. The message contained stands true any day of the year. Cheers

Thanks, Mike. Freerider and I were happy with the results. This kind of collaboration seems to work, even between strangers.

Wow, impressive Dodger. You told a riveting tale of courage and love in less than 1,500 words. And a timely one at that. Great job!

You spin a good tale of love, acceptance and forgiveness, A. Although I'm a skeptic of romance, this story feels real. I look forward to the next chapter, whenever that may be.

Mike, you are a remarkable man.

My boy, it's obvious you know exactly what life means. you've said it all right here, in this fecking brilliant poem.

You're mistaken on one point, my friend: You are man enough, and your actions prove this. How you take care of tim shows the depth of your love and commitment to him. It's never futile. Those of us who care about your boy are thankful he has you - and you, him.

Each deliberate act of cruelty Reverses the clock, Prevents common ground, yet Barriers can be dismantled with mutual determination Readiness to open up your mind Letting go of all thoughts preconceived Will make you aware of beings That yearn for you to be kind Society’s revolving door of inequality Spins the rejection of your neighbor But who of us is free from imperfection? Before you cast judgement, take a walk in his shoes

molly, from the stories you've shared, it's apparent that you and Phil have great parenting skills. You've provided a solid foundation for your children, and this will give them the confidence to fly once that time comes. This small step of independence your daughter took is great practice - both for her and for you as parents. Even so, I'm sure it wasn't easy, just as you described. My nephew almost dropped out of high school his senior year. I stepped forward to help mentor him. It was only through a lot of sweat and tears (and homework and extra classes) that he graduated. Now, he's thriving. I may not be a parent, but I get it. So... now that Daughter has returned, how did she like the experience?

Inflicting pain on subs and beating them just to beat them are what make a difference in this scenario. Everyone has different levels of tolerances and desires. Some subs desire more pain than others, and the reasons why vary from person to person. A Dom/Domme needs to make sure He/She knows what the sub's tolerances and desires are, just as the sub needs to understand what the Dom's/Domme's expectations are. That's where the partnership comes in. It's never just physical, it's cerebral. In regards to the video I saw... if the Dom shows zero care for and respect for the sub he's handling, I don't care how much pain tolerance the sub has - it's an unhealthy scene. I will push a sub's limits... but I will always take care of him.

I saw that preview, too, A. Just... no. As for your friendship and support - we value it. Thank you for keeping an open mind and learning along the way. You're a good friend.

dugh, you're kind to read this post and share your honest thoughts about it. I know that D/s doesn't make sense to many, but a willingness to understand some of the dynamics means a lot. We're a pretty open group around here. You can ask questions any time.

D/s is a Lifestyle, not a fantasy. you are spot on with that comment, my boy. These are all things that we know... yet many people are still very misinformed, and some choose to live a life that is disrespectful and abusive. Such a shame to miss out on the positive things true D/s offers. As for 50 Shades... I saw a preview for the new one... won't even go there.

Reader, your observation about the eye in the tree bark isn't so off-topic. I did notice it when I chose the pic, and yes, I am watchful. An Observant Handler.

molly, you covered it all. As you aptly stated, some poor girl or guy (or many) will be deceived by this misrepresentation and fall into a pattern of abuse that they believe they deserve. And, on the other side of that coin, Doms will continue to get a bad rep because of shyte like this. Unfortunate all around. At least we can have conversations about it.

Sadly, the person who shared it with me thought I'd enjoy it on some asinine level. I was very quick to set him straight with the same explanations I provided here in this blog. And as you have stated - subs aren't playthings, and torture isn't welcomed or condoned. On rare occasion, I've had a sub plead with me to beat him. Nope. I give explanations and guidance and send him on his way.

No, he most certainly isn't a Dom. Far from it it. However, in his mind... and according to his sub... well, different story. What angered me the most was the fact that this was a homemade clip, not some poorly orchestrated porn-industry production. Which means, this donkey does it because he enjoys it and gets off on watching his own performance.

I haven't posted a blog in a while, but I was compelled to share my thoughts on this. Recently, someone shared an amateur porn video with me. It was of a supposed “Dom” taking his sub over his knees and spanking him. Normally, that would be good subject matter, but this one, like so many similar ones I’ve had the displeasure of viewing over the years, is about the Dom causing the sub as much pain as possible, alternating between bare hands and a paddle, while the sub squeals and squirms beneath his weight. During the entire spanking session, this “Dom” focuses his attention solely on the webcam that is filming the scene – obsessed with how he looks as the World’s Most Awesome Sadist. The narcissism and egotism projected is astonishing. And extremely disappointing. Meanwhile, the sub he’s dominating is subjected to pain without any purpose, clutched in the stronghold of a man who cares more about how he looks on camera than about the boy in his arms. Do I know who this couple is, or how they are together when the camera is off? No. Maybe they only just met. Maybe they've been together for years. If a Dom and a sub mutually choose to film a scene like this, then I suppose I can’t argue with that choice. However, this is the type of online manure that confuses and misguides what D/s Life is about. Inflicting pain without purpose is pointless. Choosing to use a sub like a rag doll – or, in this case, a prop for a homemade movie – grates against my every nerve. There’s an inhumane, torturous aspect to this kind of scene. It’s also gravely inaccurate. At least, to most of us in the Life it is. The deep emotional connection that a Dom and sub can share is something to be celebrated, not portrayed as a power play with only one winner. There is little room for egotism in a Dominant person, and a sub should be revered as a partner, not a puppet. Not to mention providing proper after-care, which means being kind and nurturing and supportive to a sub as he/she comes back from the sub-space you’ve transported them to. A Dom who cares little to nothing for the sub in his arms doesn’t deserve to have one, in my opinion.

I know, his kernel of ideas for the premise of his stories surprised me. Carrie, for sure! Don't overthink, don't overthink. And get the first draft roughed in as soon as possible, while the ideas are still fresh. Good advice.

I've read these a couple of times. They are all so sweet, so sad, so moving, my heart aches right along with yours. "Reflections" especially resonated with me. Recognizing that we are not isolated by our own sense of loss, but that humans across the globe experience similar heartaches every day, brings some reassurance in our ability to heal. Beautifully done, Parker.

I remember this prompt in the book. Unlike you, I didn't try the exercise, I was too engrossed in the book. you, on the other hand, took off flying with it. It's amazing what we can write when we stop overthinking and let the "pen" flow, isn't it? We don't give ourselves enough credit for that. I need to try it more. Great job on this, tim. The ending was a surprise for me, too!

"Powerful" seems to be the word most used to describe this poem; very satisfying to hear. Thank you, Parker.

It's a gift for us, as well. Thank you, Def, I appreciate the comment.

Thanks again, my friend.

Thanks, Mike, this is very true. Some connections can't be easily explained but are revered.