It was that ‘Wobble’
in her cagey voice
which first attracted
my attention…
then, I noticed
the depth of her
brilliant green eyes.
“The ‘Streets’ take
more than they give
… but, you’ve
retained a fraction
back beyond Reach,”
I smiled, connecting.
She focus-studied
my friendly face…
“You’re Switzerland,
no Judgement Gavel
… Shelly told me
about your ‘Gifts’…
and, I’ve come
here to Barter some
Empathy for Stories.”
© Paul Tristram 2026
Saragun Springs 
Paul
This honesty, clever, creative, should replace the stupid shit people say in this situation. Top shelf work.
Leila
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Paul
Your instinct for focusing on the right kind of poetic moment and your ability to turn a memorable phrase are unerring this week. A great series of four so far and we look forward to your last offering for this week tomorrow. We also, VERY MUCH, look forward to introducing the world to more of your works in the future. Please send more things whenever you can, whether poems, stories, essays, or photos.
Your work reminds me, in the best of ways, of the late, great American poet Ted Berrigan, whose last words were, “Nice to see you.”
Dale
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