“Do you write poetry?” If the answer was yes, they were turned away without mercy.”
The poets may not enter, but your words sneak under the door and penetrate the psyche like yellow fog. A wonderful story, and a testament to your versatility. Me likey.
I felt it in my spine, as per Nabokov, “Although we read with our minds, the seat of artistic delight is between the shoulder blades. That little shiver behind is quite certainly the highest form of emotion that humanity has attained when evolving pure art and pure science. Let us worship the spine and its tingle.” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/73227-although-we-read-with-our-minds-the-seat-of-artistic
Just what I needed today. We’ve had a few major snowstorms here in Ontario, Canada since last Wednesday. Between that and Trump’s threats I needed a distraction. Thank you for sharing. I purchased some art from each of your parents. You’re a very talented family.
How generous of you to share such a wonderful story Tom. I love that the narrator dropped out of university because he was 'accused' of putting the savoy cabbages on the seats. Did he, didn't he?! So much beautiful writing here. I felt a sense of peril when Issy appeared and had visions of the bookshop being dismantled to make way for the nail bar/tattoo parlour. Glad it all worked out Ok. Just out of interest why didn't you feel good about the story when you wrote it?
Thanks Carol. I was fond of it, originally, but it was part of a flood of writing, which made me a bit tired, scrambling my perspective on which bits of the flood were good and which weren't, and I needed to step back from it to get a clearer judgement of it. I'm pretty chuffed with it now and it will almost certainly end up in a book some day.
In a sense both men traded places in age - Litkinov enjoying life like a young man with a woman young enough to be his granddaughter and the narrator, growing from a young and lonely troublemaker to a man closely resembling Litkinov. It’s all found in understanding who you are inside.
I am a different girl before sleep than I was about to be. Your story has perched in my soul and the sun is soon to shine a blessing on my night while the stars stand back and giggle at the flip-flop of my evening!
No!!!! Lord!!!!! My brain has been both shaken AND stirred tonight! Tom, it is your story I praise and Paul's response I appreciate! Now, I must rest my muddled mint of a head!
“Do you write poetry?” If the answer was yes, they were turned away without mercy.”
The poets may not enter, but your words sneak under the door and penetrate the psyche like yellow fog. A wonderful story, and a testament to your versatility. Me likey.
Thank you, Paul.
Reading this has considerably improved my Monday. A treat! Thank you Tom.
Thanks Michelle! Nice to hear.
I think my favorite part about your story aside from it being free, is that it left me wondering and thoughtful in a good way. Thank you.
Yes, that quality is very apparent in the Help the Witch stories, especially the title story.
Me too! I have so many questions
I’m so glad you shared this delicious story, Tom! How could anyone not love bits like “…he continued to smell like an attractive European city.”
I felt it in my spine, as per Nabokov, “Although we read with our minds, the seat of artistic delight is between the shoulder blades. That little shiver behind is quite certainly the highest form of emotion that humanity has attained when evolving pure art and pure science. Let us worship the spine and its tingle.” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/73227-although-we-read-with-our-minds-the-seat-of-artistic
Thanks Bob!
Just what I needed today. We’ve had a few major snowstorms here in Ontario, Canada since last Wednesday. Between that and Trump’s threats I needed a distraction. Thank you for sharing. I purchased some art from each of your parents. You’re a very talented family.
Marvellous. Rather Bulgakov. (Just needed a cat or two.)
I really must get around to reading him!
I think you would love The Master and Margarita
It’s been on my “to read” shelf for yonks!
A joy to read. From now on I will age by sevens.
Thanks George! I think everyone should. It would make things far simpler.
Oh, yes! I must make that a part of my life now too!
How generous of you to share such a wonderful story Tom. I love that the narrator dropped out of university because he was 'accused' of putting the savoy cabbages on the seats. Did he, didn't he?! So much beautiful writing here. I felt a sense of peril when Issy appeared and had visions of the bookshop being dismantled to make way for the nail bar/tattoo parlour. Glad it all worked out Ok. Just out of interest why didn't you feel good about the story when you wrote it?
Thanks Carol. I was fond of it, originally, but it was part of a flood of writing, which made me a bit tired, scrambling my perspective on which bits of the flood were good and which weren't, and I needed to step back from it to get a clearer judgement of it. I'm pretty chuffed with it now and it will almost certainly end up in a book some day.
In a sense both men traded places in age - Litkinov enjoying life like a young man with a woman young enough to be his granddaughter and the narrator, growing from a young and lonely troublemaker to a man closely resembling Litkinov. It’s all found in understanding who you are inside.
Enjoyed this piece very much. Brightened a very dismal day.
Thanks Deb!
I truly enjoyed this story. Reminded me of my favourite used bookshops... all long gone now.
Sort of afraid to post my poetry now though.
Thank you, Charles. And never be afraid!
I am a different girl before sleep than I was about to be. Your story has perched in my soul and the sun is soon to shine a blessing on my night while the stars stand back and giggle at the flip-flop of my evening!
Thank you, The Talented Mr. Tom😊❣️
Make my praise ring out, "The Talented Mr. Paul❣️"
No!!!! Lord!!!!! My brain has been both shaken AND stirred tonight! Tom, it is your story I praise and Paul's response I appreciate! Now, I must rest my muddled mint of a head!
Great story! It was my bedtime read and now I'm awake and thinking about your story.
Thanks Naomi!
You drew me in! Splendid.
Thanks Fiona!
Thank you for sharing this story.
Splendid !
Thanks Richard!
anyone find acset of keys???