The promise of morning and flea market bustle,
rouses tired hands to lay out old friends.
Faces he knows as well as his own
watch with timeless abandon.
He sets each precisely with intimate touch,
soft as forgotten caresses;
gathers their stories, pulling each close
in the bittersweet truth of parting.
Come afternoon, those hands will slow;
kissed cold by the late Autumn air
and a passing whisper in his ear –
somewhere a bell is tolling.
– Ryan Stone
This is stunningly gorgeous!!!๐๐ธ๐บ๐
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You’re too sweet, Trini! Thank you so much ๐
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One of your best!! ๐
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So kind! Thank you ๐
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I agree. One of your best, Ryan. An intimate portrait.
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Thank you so much, Sarah – an old man I saw at the Sunday market.
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Beautiful words Ryan! Always great!
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Thank you, Carolina – very kind of you ๐
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You’re welcome!
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Yes, truly stunning–great visuals make it easy to step into the story. Wonderfully crafted, Ryan.
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Thank you, Azul ๐
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Most welcome ๐
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Lovely story, it has a fairytale feel
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Thank you, Melinda. Happy you liked it ๐
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You’re welcome ๐
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Good day, Ryan. What an incredible post! I am going to take a chance and re-blog it without asking as you’re likely sleeping; but given you were okay with previous re-blogs, I am hopeful it’s okay. This should be shared. ๐
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You’re so lovely. Thank you-made my day and it’s only just begun ๐ I appreciate your courtesy in asking but please feel free to re-blog from my site whenever you like, I’m flattered ๐
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You have just made my day and I thank you for that. It’s an honor to re-blog and support the talented and kind people I engage here, yourself included. ๐
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Reblogged this on Busy Mind Thinking and commented:
I found this post resonated with me hence the share while I catch up with you all; please direct likes to Ryan if you can. I always feel guilty getting likes for another’s work. Thank you. ๐
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Thank you, Belinda ๐
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Thanks, Ryan. I went ahead without permission and that always makes me nervous. It just spoke to me and I felt to re-blog it. ๐
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I’m so happy you did. Thanks again ๐
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๐ My pleasure.
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lovely, ryan.
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Thank you so much ๐
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A beautiful write, my friend and clever use of language.
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Lovely the gentle, unhurried pace, the straightforward language, the sense of getting into a day of his life and even feeling the objects. Wonderfully evocative.
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Magic feedback thank you ๐
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Magic writing makes for magic feedback. The magic’s all yours! ๐
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Tick tock … the metaphor has depth. Nice one!
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Thanks, Dave. Appreciate it, mate ๐
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This is a masterpiece. I absolutely love all the subtleties of father time. It definitely carries a feel of Hemingway in it. Love the way how you make the archetypes find their spot on that face that holds all of us accountable till the last second.
Loved it! ๐
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Thank you so much, my sweet friend. Your feedback always brightens my day ๐
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The feeling is mutual! ๐
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๐
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Superb!! mmmmmmm! One more word added to the list ๐
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Please share…
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๐ “parcel”
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Gorgeous!
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Thank you kindly ๐
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Love this Ryan….lovely.
The photos are sweet as well.
Hope all is well with you.
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Thank you, Suzanne. So nice of you. Yes, all is fantastic, thanks. I hope the same is true for you ๐
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Good to hear your not just doing well, but fantastic. ๐
Since my newest policy is more transparency, I will say not say, “I’m dong fine”, rather I’ll say, I’ve been better.” I’m dealing with some family stuff that has me worried. But I’m also looking at it as having the potential to have a very positive long term outcome even though the immediate situation is not all that pleasant. How is that for obscure transparency. Haha.
For now I will sleep. I stayed up really late – 1:33 a.m. here right now – sorting papers and organizing because I have to do it when I’m compelled, or it won’t get done. ๐ Look forward to reading more of your beautiful words Ryan. Have a great day!
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I hope your sleep was good and things look brighter today, Suzanne. Definitely obscure transparency lol ๐๐
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Yes. Good sleep and moved into problem solving mode. :). Thanks for the words. Happy writing!
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