MacGreg

The twist was definitely unexpected. I wasn't sure you could "tie it up" at the end so quickly, but you did, and in a chilling way. Good job, A. P.S. Keep an eye on your use of present and past tenses. The two jump around a bit in the story. That's my only constructive criticism!

What you illustrate is a bond that is palpable, with a vitalizing energy that envelops both handler and recipient. you describe it perfectly and beautifully, tim. May you fly always.

True, too much, or having an obsession with sex all the time, is a vice if it takes control of your life.

Sex as a vice? How about sex as an integral part of a healthy mind and body?

For the most part, I'm a pretty even-keeled person. I don't stress or become distraught easily. But for excessive stress or bouts of grief, I look to physical and mental outlets. A good run, meditation, a hike in the mountains or communing with nature in some way. Even walking through an art museum or browsing a book or record store helps clear my head. Writing - in particular poetry - is a very effective avenue for tension release, as is a solid session of free-writing. Beyond that, as a Dom, I find that concentrating strength and guidance onto my partner refocuses any negative energy I may have into positive energy that I can pass along to the sub, thus releasing tension for the both of us, which is a win-win situation. OK, yes... admittedly... a good bottle of whiskey also softens the edges sometimes.

This story was an unexpected gem, one that I typically wouldn't read, which proves that tim has a talent for conjuring up remarkable out-of-the-ordinary tales - even fairy ones.

You've written a compelling beginning here. Well-written and engaging. Good work.

Deeply felt and deeply understood. A touching tribute to the relationship you share with your boy and the special connection you two have together.

you did an excellent job stepping out of your comfort zone to compose poems about what lies out there in the universe, as opposed to man's struggles here on earth. And yet, these poems evoke some of those same struggles: fighting for survival, fighting for something to call your own, fighting for love, seeking something brighter in the world than what we've been given. Despair and hope. Loss and gain. Great poems, tim. (On a side note, I happened to be listening to this song when I read these poems, and it was extremely apropos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJD1pV5JKng.)

I was successful this time, @Hudson Bartholomew. Good luck.

There's the positive thinking!

What I most appreciate about this story is its connection to the real world and the rawness of a tragedy that could befall anyone. As an author, tim develops characters in genuine ways that pull readers in and causes them to feel an affinity to the story, like a mirrored reflection of their own experiences. Don and Louis are down-to-earth people with challenges and achievements that are relatable to all of us. The tragedy that strikes them in Changes will either make or break their marriage, and each chapter illustrates the struggles they encounter, as well as the solutions that evolve. Personally, I would love to know Don and Louis, to be invited over to their home for dinner and wine and conversation. That's how genuine these characters are. I was honored to help beta-read, to offer advice, and to push tim to complete this story. We're all better off for reading it.

Well, you should be writing poetry tonight, because what you're writing is very good, it comes from the heart and soul. However, the origin of the emotions concerns me.

you are much stronger than you think.

Powerful poem, my girl. Is this from another time... or now? I don't like you feeling like this way. Keep your head high, find focus, and reach out when things start to decline.

Every single one of these poems - superb and captivating. Perfect examples of love gained, love endured, loved defeated. I'm just sorry you went through the tragic ending. Cheers - Mac

Thanks for reading and adding your own insightful comments, Lisa! Travis has every reason to be worried - but you know he won't show it. Ben will have to try his best to convince him to accept the help he's offering. Someday, maybe the path will be clear for the two of them. Maybe... I hope to have a new chapter together soon. Thanks again, Lisa. Cheers - Mac

Another thoughtful poem exuding emotions. The questions you asked are relatable, understandable. We often question "Why?" about humankind and the inherent tendencies to be cruel. Thanks for sharing this piece.

To me, all four of these poems feel connected. Love gained, love lost, love rejoiced, love mourned. An emotional ride throughout. I am especially drawn to Faces and Places. Great job on these. Cheers - Mac

Louis kissing Harry, wanting Harry, doesn't make him a reprehensible creature. We know from other aspects of his character shown that he is a good person: his obvious love and care for Don, his forgiving nature towards Miriam, his kind demeanor always with Rena, his drive to make the marathon successful, his making their house a home, his act of kindness towards the mother in the park - these are all demonstrations of a positive nature. I commend Louis for staying as strong as he has. Not all of us would be so capable. Another powerful chapter, tim.

I am late to reading this chapter, but it was well worth the anticipation. Things are really looking up for everyone, including the irreverent Miriam. I like when families can find common ground and forgiveness - even though it seems a fairy tale in real life sometimes. Happiness can be elusive, but in the here-and-now of this story, it seems genuine. Lots of positivity going around. As always, I enjoyed the flashback you provided of how Don's and Louis' relationship came to be. These two are good together, and good for one another. Great chapter, tim.

First off, never preface your poem with a warning about the content. Let it speak for itself. As for the poem - very powerful, digging deep into the dark recesses we never like to go, mirroring insecurities and anxieties that every human feels at one time or another. My hope is that you don't get to this point again, my girl, and that, if you do, you lean on the people who will bring you back to center.

An empty chair, a vacant bed Those untouched brushes Still smelling of mineral spirits Beside your half-painted canvas And favorite coffee mug Reminders strewn throughout The confines of my home Fiercely depicting your absence And the belief that someday you will choose to end your liberty For, surely, this painting cannot go unfinished... can it?

These are great quotes, molly. Thanks for sharing the positivity with us in a place we can revisit as needed. This quote spoke to me: Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm. Like getting back up on a horse that continues to throw you (as your title points out): Keep getting up, keep dusting yourself off, and keep going. That's what you have to do. Eventually, either you will tame the horse, or you will recognize that it's time to move on. This is what I've been personally learning lately.

I felt the cold and dampness in my bones as I read this. your attention to each and every detail illustrating the change of season is exquisite.