our deepest fears are like dragons,

[Michael Edward]

Each poem was wonderful, but I particularly liked the intimacy one - so beautiful.

[darren harley]

thanks for your kind words, Michael 🙏🏼

for connecting...

and for listening — to my music — with respect

i appreciate you 👊🏼

[Robert Walrod]

In the words of Joseph Campbell, "the mythological hero is the champion not of things become but of things becoming; the dragon to be slain by him is precisely the monster of the status quo."

[darren harley]

gorgeous quotation, Robert 🙏🏼

thanks for sharing...

we should all have the courage to become...

to slay the dragons of fear (that guard & protect the status quo).

[Nicole Saldívar]

Darren wow wow-- All of them sent me back to a place and to a person - the vulnerability one made me share a tear (or two) - I have read this many times already, I know I will come back to it every now and then... it’s just that beautifully written and such a marvelous way to describe a true friendship 💛 love love love!

[darren harley]

thanks for reading (& rereading), Nicole 🙏🏼

and for sharing your vulnerability...

your words — are my fuel — for the day

as i draft — the next poem — for us to play

i send you 💚

[Leigh]

How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must have a dark side also if I am to be whole.

— Carl Jung

[darren harley]

💚

thanks for bringing your whole self to the comments, Leigh 🙏🏼

lightness — darkness — and all

[Susie Mawhinney]

It is rare that I read something that is so profoundly beautiful it evokes a memory of one exquisite day in my life that I will never forget. I have goosebumps... and dragons.

Thank you for your words Darren - so much 🍃

[darren harley]

you had me at goosebumps, Susie 🙏🏼

thank you...

i would gladly stand back-to-back with you... and slay dragons.

💚

[Joan Willett]

Your image of two people standing in the grass, back -to - back is a beautiful metaphor for the rare relationship that goes beyond friendship. “Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person…”. George Eliot

Thanks for your beautiful words, Darren.

[darren harley]

thanks for your lovely comment, Ms W 🙏🏼

and for embodying George Eliot's words...

i am grateful.

💚

[Chloe Hope]

Wow, darren,

“...to a story

unexamined

and thus fiction...”

That gave me chills... I adore that Rilke poem, and equally adored this, thank you 🙏

[darren harley]

my pleasure, Chloe 🙏🏼

it's for readers like you that i write...

thanks for sharing your "chills" with OTC.

💚

[Janice]

This is amazing, Darren. You put into words so eloquently the nature of true friendship and care. Everyone needs a person to slay dragons with. Thanks for writing and sharing!

[darren harley]

thanks for reading, Janice 🙏🏼

for caring...

and for being — the kind of friend — who will stand — back-to-back — and slay dragons