I think some write when the urge comes. I know I do and there are weeks when I will not even come to read or write on the den, but some how I always come back and it gives me joy to read what others write. I also can express my inner feelings and gain some good feed back...M

Jon, things seem to go in cycles. Florida in the summertime is so different from the other seasons. Folks just stay home because it's too hot. Other snow birds travel else where. I run a kayak club and a writer's club and we all but close down during the summer. Then again, it's nice to get to know the few loyal members better. I also get people to help out with a youth ministry. This does not change as much in seasons. In fact I just got three helpers out of nowhere after praying about it! But AD is different as I get fewer comments on my poetry during the summer months. Amen

There are so many different subjects that can inspire a poetic soul like yours. I didn't think that AD could be one, so you have surprised me once again. Panta rhei... nothing stays the same, yet we are all in search of permanence. I like your inspiring eloquence, Jon.

Axilea

It's not the same, that's true, maybe in time it will be better.

Eloquently said, Jon. I am definitely guilty of this. Over time, I noticed myself reading and commenting more than writing. And, of course, reading and experiencing different perspectives is crucial to writing, but when you don't have time for your passion, it's heart-breaking and can effect your moods. I'm miserable when I'm not writing. So here's saying that I'm back to AD, but my visits will not be as frequent. Quality over quantity has always been important to me, so, in keeping with that notion, I will not be able to read every post by my favorite AD writers, as I was trying to do before. Hopefully I will find the right balance somewhere along the line. I suspect that others are having this same problem. Plus, the nice weather coming is incredibily inspiring! Keep writing, though, Jon, cuz this little online family works in cycles, and we always seem to make our way home. Love and hugs,
Sheila

JON, OH MY GOODNESS! I DIDN'T SEE THIS ONE AND I COMMENTED ON 'MY LAST POEM' FIRST, BUT IN ANY CASE AD HAS NOT GONE ANYWHERE, MY FRIEND. IT IS STILL NURTURING, SUPPORTING, INSPIRING AND STRENGTHENING ITS MEMBERS, WHICH ARE COMPRISED WITH A GREAT VARIED DEGREE OF POETICAL AND WRITING ABILITIES. I HATE TO SEE YOU GO...SOMETIMES WE JUST HAVE TO BE PATIENT AND WAIT FOR INSPIRATION TO BEGIN TO FLOW AGAIN THE WAY WE DESIRE. BUT YOU MUST HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THIS AND YOU SEEM PRETTY ADAMANT ABOUT LEAVING SO...IT IS MY PRAYER THAT WHEREVER YOU JOURNEY, YOU WILL 'LOOK BACK' AND REMEMBER? DO STOP BY AND IMPART TO SOMEONE THE 'WORDS' THAT SO ENCOURAGE, AS WAS ONCE YOUR BENEFIT, IN THIS STILL...SO FERTILE...COMMUNITY. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

during the last 10 years or so, i 've seen many come and go
but at least i've touched their dreams ...

time and cycles, jon. worry not, poet, a/d goes with the flow & is
ever flowing...
peace & blessings,
carolyn

Guilty as charged. Sort of. I agree that there are times when everybody is present and reviewing and posting and it's like a happy little bee hive. This of course requires time and effort and creativity. The odds of us all having those magical three elements at the same time are slim, but on occasion it happens. Time is my noose and usual excuse. Long work hours take a toll although writing sometimes provides a boost to the attitude and energy level. Resurrection is plausible. Constant incarnations more likely. Patrick

Put another log on the fire, Jon, I appreciate you as a writer and as truly a beautiful soul, I will never question what your heart knows and may need....I am Blessed to have crossed paths with you.
Christine

Giving life to poetry *Jon* as you do,
gives poetry the necessary life for the
reason to live on!!!!

Lady Vivian

I believe Fee and the others are right we all need a break to refresh our writing skills. Poignant poetry my dear friend...
Always, Carole~

I am with Felix on this situation.
Sometimes the words come hard, or don't come at all.
I would rather not write if I am not happy with a forced effort.
All is well Jon, and we are still here.

Walt

No, not a dear Jon letter, we need great poets like you and John, to keep up the hearth with good kindling, and stir the fire a bit once in a while, the ebbs and flows of live happen even with a family of authors. Take a break, renew your vigour, and when some great stirring takes place inside, some great insight comes calling, please do let us know, the way you know best. Hugs! Jasmin Horst

i understand your lament,
Jon, My Friend, and see why it is;
your writing on whatever subject
will always be special to me;

"Sweet was the sound, when oft, at evening's close,
Up yonder hill the village murmur rose;
There, as I passed with careless steps and slow,
The mingling notes came softened from below;
The swain responsive as the milkmaid sung,..."


john

Jon this is a superb poem,however I agree with the others,the den will survive,though it loses writers,and becomes less inviting,it soon will recover its warmth with more writers returning,and new ones joining.
Please stay as I have ,even if less frequent. Love your work.

Love
Eileen

Jon thank for this powerful poem but donīt worry the fire still has enough logs to keep it glowing. The Den is a tree of life. It has its own seasons. As some leaves fall others start budding. But in between, there are those like me who take breaks. Missed you so much my friend.
Abdi-Noor

I think the den will always be a special place, and yes we will lose writers from time to time and we will welcome new writers from time to time, and some of us will take breaks to give our minds and creativity a chance to regroup and rejuvenate. I hope to return to AD posting in the near future so I hope you if you are leaving as the poem seems to suggest that it will just be for a brief haitus.
Lots of luck
Fee