everyday remains yesterday...if...one is unable to bring the 'gifts' of yesterday into...today. thanks, Odin.

asa

Reality is indeed a harsh teacher and as our world 'progresses', so our culture makes greater demands of us ...but where is it set in stone that we must serve another and hope they will serve us in return? The human race is now much more selfish and so it is pragmatic to treasure our friendships - but ultimately keep our sanctuary to ourselves.

Another stunning creation here, my friend.

Rx

May tomorrow be a better day.

Imagery without excess. Nouns without embellishment. A stunning poem without a doubt.

a fine piece with wonderful visions and much to reread often
budd

Ample examples of vivid imagery marshal here to trumpet the vestigial value of what once was in an ode to nostalgia whose nadir nearly bottoms out with bathos... nearly, I say, because the high point climbs from children's laughter to the emblem of love itself only to close petal-like upon itself in the cascading collapse of captivity... this is the jaundice of the jaded... and the irony is that you have captured it so well, we readers can at once recognize it as the counterpoint of a quintessential freedom fighter! You can't fool me, Odin... What remains of today is really that eternal green light (to use Fitzgerald's term)... the perennially optimistic tomorrow! Save a few of those "empty vases" for bouquets yet to be thrown your way, my friend... they're coming!

I also want to just take this opportunity to thank you for all the many cogent commentaries you have made on my FACT series this past year! From one serious poet to another, it means a great deal to hear the viewpoints and perspectives provided by thoughtful readers like you! Stay strong, Odin... the best is yet to come!

Roger