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Sharron Bassano's avatar

"At home, we hug and cry for what we still have.

Later, we cry for all that is lost."

This short powerful piece gives the reader all that is needed to feel the devastation of those who suffered through Hurricane Ian. It's possible that a longer treatment might have been less effective. That odd last line jerked me sideways. So unusual.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Thank you Sharron. Yes, the last line is meant to signify the discomfort of confronting the vast unknown. The flash of light makes it disappear, at least for a moment.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

It does!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Yes, very powerful.

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Justin Deming's avatar

I don’t know if a longer work is necessary. What a powerful story of loss, devastation, and a sliver of hope in the darkness.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Thank you Justin for your kind words. Yes, I have written all that I will about this time. We were more fortunate than many of our neighbors and friends. We move on!

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Clara Venegas's avatar

"Helicopters, like dragonflies overhead, Whup, Whup, Whup.

“Orion’s Belt,” she says."

This is brilliant. I had already read it but for some reason I hadn't noticed that verse.

There is something comforting in the Milky Way there too. No matter what happens to us the stars are still there, still the same. It's like we can rely on them somehow.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Thank you Clara. I just love an enthusiastic comment.

Yes, the stars can be a comfort.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

" Grandeur without the uncertainty of infinity" love that sentence

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Thank you so much Terry. I love that you picked out that phrase as it is the basic theme here.

I'm working on a piece that is inspired by your "Experiments In Style," which I have been enjoying so much. I hope to post it today or tomorrow.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Thanks, I look forward to it. Obviously there will be a small licence fee to pay for the idea 😂

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Jim Cummings's avatar

I'm just "borrowing" it. I will return it in it's original condition.

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James Ron's avatar

I remember this one. It may have been the first I read from you. : ) It really hits home. Very good.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Thank you my friend. I appreciate your kind words as always. I re-posted this because I (thankfully) have added a number of subscribers since the original post. I find that people don't always go back in the archives.

Are you back on the gold? Will you still remember us when you hit it big?

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James Ron's avatar

Very good - new subscribers! - Going metal detecting up in Redding area this weekend, Fri - Sun, with a fellow who is very good. Hope to pick up some pointers. - I'll remember you when I "hit it", but I'd be happy just to cover expenses. : ) Wish I lived closer to the gold.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I have sure have been enjoying your hunt for gold. When you hit it big, James,

I would like to borrow about $4000. No intention of paying it back. Are you in?

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James Ron's avatar

Thank you, Sharron! - I'm in!! You can borrow $10,000 if you like! : )

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yowza!

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