24 Comments
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Shavaun Scott's avatar

Stunning writing.

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

Thank you, my friend. ☺️

Carla Hagen's avatar

My father was much like your father, except that his god was booze. Thank you for writing this. The dream made me cry. I then listened—really listened to “The River” and cried some more. That was my town.

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

My heart to yours.

Naomi Bindman's avatar

Gorgeous writing, as always. Such a pleasure to read your work.

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

Thank you Naomi. I appreciate your presence here.

Virgin Monk Boy's avatar

This is what inheritance feels like when it is not money but shadow: a hand you were taught to hold, even while it pulls you toward the edge. The miracle is not that the fall never happened. It did. Again and again. The miracle is learning that letting go is not betrayal. Sometimes it is the first honest prayer the body ever prays. Wings, apparently, begin as refusal.

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

Apparently. Your response is so gratifying. 🫡Yes, yes, yes. And love doesn’t mean staying.

Sally Jupe's avatar

That dream, the doubts, the disbelief, the darkness, those depths....they should never be what a dad is for a child. And yet thankfully.... there was light, in the music, the books, the chess, your great grandmother and your determination and bravery. You have so much admiration from me Kelly. 🫠

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

Yes, light and dark, Sally. He could have been an artist. Thank you.

Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

Beautiful,Kelly. The writing, the structure. Breathtaking. I often miss the father I didn’t have, the father he would have been if the boy he was could have been allowed to grow straight up without all that warping. He was such a sensitive soul under it, probably a writer and photographer. Your dad was a musician, and more. He was beautiful in the photos. So sad.

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

😢thank you Susan. Yes, I am somewhat the artist in him he had to deny.

It is so sad. Our fathers were never ours but they were never their own either.

Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

Too bad he had to, or thought he did. Such a cost.

Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

The mythical figure twisted into a shape that supports their domination of everything and everyone through the power of shame and humiliation. A god made by man for men.

Elizabeth Yoffe's avatar

Your writing is so deeply beautiful. I’m trembling from the power of this piece. Thank you for sharing this, Kelly. I could say more about how impactful it was but I’m feeling it so strongly that words are eluding me. 🙏🎼

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

Thank you, Elizabeth. This particular piece is close to my heart and your reading completes the circle. 🙏🏻

Marilyn Schroeder's avatar

So heart wrenching and beautiful, you intertwined perfectly.

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

Thank you so much, Marilyn.

Aaliya's avatar

This was indeed an absolutely beautiful piece

Aaliya's avatar

This was the most heartfelt and deeply resonating post I have read in a while, I really loved how you articulated your thoughts emotions and experiences. It felt like I was sitting next to you right beside you while you gentle spoke. Absolutely beautiful piece ♥️

Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

So appreciate this read, Aaliya. It means everything.

Aaliya's avatar

Bless you darling keep writing and shining ♥️