Bill W

Laconic comes to us by way of Latin from Greek Lakōnikos, from Lakōn ‘Laconia, a region of Greece known as Sparta. The Spartans showed an indifference to comfort or luxury and were known for their terse speech.” In current use, laconic means “terse” or “concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious,” and thus recalls the Spartans' taciturnity. Laconic was first used in English during the mid 16th century. Some common synonyms of laconic are compendious, concise, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. Laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious. Examples of laconic in a sentence: "His laconic reply bordered on rude" "McCarthy did thrive on television, where his laconic, relaxed style showed off to best effect." "His laconic reply suggested a lack of interest in the topic" "This interpretation was then bolstered by Tacitus' dry laconic wit and Lucretius' pagan atomism." "He had a reputation for being laconic. "The soundtrack is fueled by the laconic rock of the era, from Weezer to Oasis."

There was a major battle on Guam during WWII between the US forces and those of Imperial Japan. Guam is now a US territory, but as far as Americans stopping there on the way to Australia, it would be a bit foolish, since Guam is north of Australia, not to the east of it. As far as strange places, I don't think I've ever been to any. I guess I've led a very boring life.

This story begins with a paralegal, Ben, who is in charge of returning a runaway, Clay, back to his home which is in a really small community in northern Minnesota. Clay is very emotional because he doesn't want to return to the community he ran away from, so Ben asks his boyfriend, Rush, to go with him. During the trip we discover why Clay ran away and the reason is both shocking and unconscionable, but the author handles the material delicately and with professional skill. If you enjoy reading hard hitting stories that are well written and with believable characters, then give this short story a read.

Interesting story with a difficult premise that was handled delicately, yet thoroughly. I loved your characters and the fact that Ben asked Rush to go with him and that Rush was the one who connected with Clay and then helped him the most. l also found Clay's changing attitude appropriate for both the age and the abuse he'd endured. Great job, Cole.

That's true, but there are also those whose gesticulation is so animated and dramatic that it can actually be dangerous or just comical.

How many of you have been in a relationship that you wanted so badly that you were afraid to show the other person who you really are? If you were like that, what did you do? This short story explains what happens in one relationship where the main character has cold feet and his friend is attempting to convince him how to look at his situation differently - in a way that might solve his problem. So, if you're currently in a similar situation, you might want to read this short story to put a different perspective on what you're going through. You may find out the friend is giving some good advice that you can also use.

I know I'm years behind the time, but I'll still give you my input. I look at Romeo's problem this way. If your worried the relationship won't work out, unless you are willing to hide your feelings and act completely out of character as long as you're together, then be yourself and let the other person know who you are. If it's not going to work out, then it's better than you find it out sooner than later, so you can move on and find someone you're more compatible with. Don't waste part of your life acting out of character for someone you might lose anyway. That's my spiel and you can do with it what you want. And I believe that was the same advice that Jonah was trying to give Romeo. Good for him and it was an interesting story.

I was trying to be diplomatic and not mention any particular nationality, but having been related to through marriage to different Italian families, I can vouch that I accidentally got backhanded a few times when I got too close to someone when they were talking. My suggestion would be to give any Italian you know plenty of personal space if you don't want to accidentally get clobbered, because their gesticulations come with considerable force. 😜

From casual observations, I've discovered that some people seem to gesticulate more than others. In fact, I believe there are certain people that wouldn't be able to talk if they sat on their hands, because they need to gesticulate in order to make a point.

Gesticulate comes from Latin gesticulat- ‘gesticulated’, from the verb "gesticulari" (to gesture, mimic) and "gesticulus" (a mimicking gesture). It describes animated movements people make in conversation — with and without words. The verb "gesticulate" was first recorded in English around 1600, while the noun "gesticulation" was first recorded around the early 17th century. OED's earliest evidence for gesticulate is from 1609, in the writing of Robert Cawdrey, Church of England clergyman and lexicographer. Examples of gesticulate in a sentence: "He gesticulated with his shoulders and barely moved his arms." "Everything he says is peppered with sudden howls of laughter and much gesticulating." "Every time a player came near him he was yelling and pointing and gesticulating." "She was shouting and gesticulating quite wildly." "There was a man outside the window gesticulating wildly." "He gesticulated with his shoulders and barely moved his arms."

You used them all up already.

Gary, you're right. The goal seems to be "Keep 'em stupid!" I think back to two short stories I wrote for one of the anthologies back in 2015 and parts, if not all, seem to already have or in the process of become true. The two stories were "Backroom Deals" and "Hidden Agenda". Some people scoffed at them back then, but now some of my worst fears seem to be coming true, at least in part or maybe only until the rest of the agenda can be completed. It would be several giant steps backward and erase years of progress.

Because you've got a one-track mind?

Thank you, Tim, and you are correct. The biggest challenge lies ahead as to whether we celebrate diversity or reverse decades of gains - for humans, wildlife, and the environment as a whole.

Thank you, Chris, and I'm glad you agree.

I agree, that world would be lovely, Adi. Thank you for reading and taking time to comment.

Yes, Val, I agree, and thank you for your comment and for all you do.

Presto comes from Italian for “quickly.” Officially, presto is the second-quickest speed that music can be played (after prestissimo). Presto comes from late Latin praestus ‘ready’, from Latin praesto ‘at hand’. The earliest known use of the word presto is in the late 1500s. OED's earliest evidence for presto is from 1598, in the writing of George Chapman, poet and playwright. Examples of presto used in a sentence: "The hungry men dived into the food, and presto, it was gone." "Just pop a K-Cup in, add some water, press the button, and presto, coffee!" "You fold the rear seat flat, press a button, and hey presto!" "You put your money in the machine, and presto, the coffee comes out."

Thank you for reading and commenting, chs. I'm pleased that you agree with the need for these differences to make the world whole.

Thank you, Gary, for a wonderful assortment of poems and Haikus. I was born in the Forties, and we've obviously seen many of the same things. The stereotypes and roles heaped on us through the Fifties were very stifling, and then the 60s brought a little change and acceptance of previous roles and restrictions were slowly dismantled. Unfortunately, we're seeing a trend were some are trying to resurrect some of those restrictions and hateful philosophies and wiping out the gains of the last fifty to seventy years, and I'm not talking just about the US. There have been similar attempts worldwide to return to previous practices, or in some cases flip the script entirely and the persecuted now become those initiating the persecution. As Bob Dylan said in the lyrics of one of his songs, "When will the ever learn, when will they ever learn?"

Well, said, Lee. While some see diversity as a bad thing, we should celebrate the differences, because the world would be a less interesting place if we were all robots acting, feeling, and looking identical. And making others feel as if they don't belong has long been a tactic of those who strive to feel powerful and more important and special than everyone else. Don't let those people ever make you feel inferior. I'm glad you realized this and communities such as this one can give you a safe place to belong.

A marvelous collection expressing different viewpoints on the theme. Thank you, @Valkyrie for the hard work in organizing this anthology and posting it for us to enjoy.

Thank you, drs, and I'm glad you agree. Unfortunately there are others in positions of power and influence that look at this different. I pray there version doesn't win out.

Thank you, Tony. I'm glad my humble offering was able to elicit favorable reactions and acceptance. It's my belief that we, as a society, are harming nature, wildlife, and minority groups, both those of color, different religious beliefs, and different sexual orientations. Hopefully, this can be corrected before irreparable damange has been done.

Yes, Parker and Gary both know more about poetry than I do, and I appreciate their insight, as well as yours.