23 Comments
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Marcia Abboud's avatar

Oh, Harry. This is heartbreaking. How well you've described the truth of your father's actions—indecision, indeed. Your mother was always the hero. It's his loss. You are the man he could never be. 🤍🖤

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Thank you, Marcia, those are beautiful words and you warm my heart. My mother truly was and is. Thank you ❤️

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Marcia Abboud's avatar

You’re welcome, dear Harry 🤍

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Just Kayla's avatar

I have a difficult relationship with my father. I can't imagine scratching that scar. I felt this. It was beautiful and thank you for sharing the context of the wound that preceded the art.

It's really beautiful, in that gutting way.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

I’m truly sorry to hear that, J. A distant or difficult relationship with a parent can create a cloud over everything, and feels futile to even approach.

I really appreciate you reading and sharing so personally. Thank you ❤️

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Jennifer Wagner's avatar

I feel you in this. My grandfather made a similar decision and the pain has rippled through my family. I so get it. Your pen expresses well that feeling of what could have been but will never be.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Thank you Jennifer for sharing, I always appreciate knowing I am not alone in my reaction. You summarise so clearly what I was feeling: of what could have been. Thank you.

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E.R. Davis's avatar

Without the added context, this poem speaks to the universal feeling of betrayed loyalty and the strength we discover in holding the weak accountable for their excuses of helpless weakness. With the context it is very heartbreaking and your father is far worse off for his decisions, but you're likely better off for your mothers.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

I was hesitant about my afterword, as I worried it would confine the piece to only my personal experience. I am glad you saw it outside of the box, and I love what you interpreted.

“the strength we discover in holding the weak accountable” is powerful.

Thank you, E, for your kindness ❤️

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S y l v i A 🌞 K a l i n A's avatar

You always land words deep into the heart. This time my comment is for your reading, though, and rhythm. Listening to your reading is always icing on the cake. Thank you for continuing to bare your soul.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Thank you Sylvia, for always showing such support! ❤️

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Ute Luppertz's avatar

That was powerful.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Thank you 🙏 ❤️

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Jozef Cain's avatar

Man your use of repetition is so subtle and flows so well. I love listening to you read it too. It's so elegant.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Gracias, mi amigo! It’s so nice to hear what you take from it ❤️

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Jozef Cain's avatar

I only commented on your poetic execution but I did take more from it. I mean the subject matter was heartbreaking but also you have a great perspective on life and the fact he fucked off seems to have made you a strong mind.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

aw man you had to come back and shower more love 🥲 That’s an awesome perspective you have of it and I appreciate you so much for sharing it with me. It means a lot ❤️

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Astrid Sadaya's avatar

Thank you for sharing amidst the pain 🙏🏽❤️

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Thank you for hearing me ❤️

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A. Njoto's avatar

Thank you for sharing the pain 🫠 it reminds me of many things rlly. With each poem, I'm getting more convinced that I'm not alone. Bcp u've done it again. Im dead

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Thank you for reading my pain. You are definitely not alone. Edward has brought so many of us together in one warm cafe. I appreciate you, Adrian ❤️

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Your father missed out on raising a fine young man, you thrived sans his guidance because you were stronger than he.

Stunning exploration of the fractured father-son dynamic.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

My friend you never fail to warm my heart. I hope you know how important those words are to me. Thank you.

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