Erm, wow ... the whole thing paints such a vivid picture that I can smell the autumn evening, but this line alone is just brilliant...

"words strained through the heart
emerge candy-coated"

:-) x
=^.^=

There is something cold in this, although you have pointed some sources of warmth. Maybe because of nostalgia? The entire poem feels like a nostalgic moment.

It’s good to read something new from you :)

Love this...

Thank you Brenda for nominating this piece of Art, I would have wanted the privilege to do so, but at least it's done.

Your writings are always a fresh breath of air, seriously this poem is just above the ceiling. I can't find words to comment on what you have painted in my head. This is just stunning.

An ode to nostalgia, indeed! Going to come back a few more times and read this, something so yearning and heartbreaking in remembering here.

Wonderful writing. Well done, Mark.

Look what happens when you post your poetry!! Congrats Mark :)

I'm enjoying reading your work very much. The imagery and word choice in this one particularly resonate with me.