I love these superhero crosswords! I'm a huge comic fan so it's always fun to see which answers I know. I like the fact that there were some answers that weren't just superhero names; mixing in more "meta" content like the name of the company that created the heroes, an organization, etc. was a nice touch that helped differentiate this crossword from many of the other ones that have been created for this activity.

Some of the clues I found to be a little too generic. Given the size of the crossword with very few clues solving letter positions for other words, the puzzler is basically in a position where they have to know the answer already, since there are precious few clues to help them out. With that in mind, clues like "unprincipled" (which is a play on the word a character's name is derived from) are incredibly difficult without some additional context. Especially compared to a clue like "Jennifer Garner played her" which is relatively easy and straightforward to answer.

Overall, I thought this was a fun crossword with a great list of words to fill in. It was entertaining, a little challenging, and definitely somethign that's right up my alley. Nice job!

This story beautifully captures the internal monologue of a woman reflecting on her life's journey from youthful exuberance to the mundanity of middle age. The juxtaposition of her past and present selves is poignantly depicted, and the use of the sensible shoes as a metaphor for her perceived dullness adds depth to the narrative.

While the story flows well, I think it could benefit from more dynamic elements in the middle sections. The daily routines, though essential for setting up her epiphany, might be condensed to make way for more interactions or flashbacks that reveal her character's complexity and desires. Additionally, the introduction of Mike at the end feels a bit abrupt. Developing his character earlier in the story, perhaps through subtle encounters or mentions, would make his confession feel more integral to the narrative rather than a sudden development.

This short story successfully delivers a message about rediscovering one's zest for life and challenges the inevitability of a mundane existence. It resonates with anyone who might find themselves reflecting on past choices and perceived normalcy. With a bit more balance between the protagonist's internal reflections and external interactions, this story could offer a more rounded and emotionally engaging journey. Nice work!

The story engages with a mystical and foreboding atmosphere from the outset, establishing a sense of urgency and mystery that drives the narrative forward effectively. The setting in the woods introduces a traditional backdrop for fairy tale elements, and the character of Caitlin is well-drawn.

The pacing of the story is another strong point, with the action interwoven with quieter, more reflective moments that add layers of meaning to the story. This pacing helps to build tension and release it in a way that is satisfying and engaging.

While the story is strong in atmosphere and intrigue, there are moments where the clarity of the narrative could be enhanced. The transitions between the real and the supernatural could be smoothed out to help the reader maintain a grip on the unfolding events.

The character of Auntie Lydia, while intriguing, feels somewhat underdeveloped to me and her sudden appearance might benefit from a bit more foreshadowing or explanation within the narrative context.

The conclusion of the story also feels slightly rushed. Expanding on Caitlin’s final moments and providing a bit more insight into her thoughts and feelings could give the ending the weight it aims to achieve.

This is a compelling short story that effectively melds elements of fantasy and drama. The narrative is engaging and well-structured, with strong character development and a well-maintained suspenseful atmosphere. Nicely done!

Your story is a heartfelt depiction of a young boy's love and determination to find his lost dog, capturing a simple yet profound human experience. The narrative is well-paced, with clear, crisp descriptions that immerse the reader in Barney's world—from the texture of the neighborhood to the emotions swirling through his mind. The dialogue is natural and effectively conveys the dynamics within Barney's family, adding layers to the characters through their interactions.

The emotional payoff at the end, when Barney finds Skip, is satisfying and well-earned. It taps into the universal fear of loss and the joy of reunion, making the story resonate with readers of all ages. The tension built up through the search, especially in the unfamiliar and somewhat menacing environment of the dump, heightens the stakes and makes the resolution more impactful.

While the narrative is effective in its simplicity, there could be more depth in exploring Barney's emotions and reflections on his relationship with Skip. This could add a layer of complexity to the story and enhance the emotional depth. Additionally, the buildup to the discovery of Skip could be expanded to include more sensory details and interactions between Barney and his father during the search, deepening the reader's investment in their journey.

The scene at the dump could also benefit from a bit more atmospheric description to heighten the sense of suspense and uncertainty. This would not only enrich the narrative but also increase the contrast with the relief and joy of the eventual reunion.

This story successfully captures a slice of life that is deeply human and universally relatable. With a bit more exploration of the characters' inner worlds and a richer atmospheric buildup, this story could leave a lasting, profound impression on the reader. Nice job!

I really enjoyed all of your "The Soundtrack of Your Life"  entries this year! You have a great, diverse playlist with a lot of different genres and influences that were fun to follow along with. I also like the structure of your posts where you clearly list the artist, the song title, some fun facts about it, and applicable lyrics. It's easy to identify the pertinent information in each entry, and they're well organized.

My one suggestion based on reading through the blog posts, is to try and go a little deeper on your posts next year. Most of them were just short paragraphs with some superficial details about the song and, while those are definitely to be expected in a month-long blogging activity where you have to come up with twenty-eight (or twenty-nine this year!) entries, I would have loved to have gotten some of them with a little more depth and storytelling to them. Not that your blog posts weren't great; just something to aspire to next year.

Overall this was a quality playlist, and I always enjoy checking out people's musical preferences in the annual February event from "The Soundtrackers Group" . Thanks so much for participating this year and I hope to see you again next time around!

Your story effectively creates a suspenseful atmosphere, blending elements of the supernatural with the mundane curiosity of modern ghost-hunting technology. The setting, a well-maintained but abandoned house, serves as a perfect backdrop for protagonist's exploration. The use of a ghost-hunting app as a narrative device adds a contemporary twist to the traditional ghost story, providing a unique way for the protagonist to interact with the unknown. The tension builds nicely throughout the narrative, culminating in the chilling single-word message, "RUN," which leaves the reader on edge.

While the suspense is well-developed, I think the story could benefit from deeper character development. Learning more about Angela's motivations for exploring the house and her previous experiences with the supernatural could enhance the reader's connection to her. Additionally, some elements introduced in the story, such as the mention of the track team coach, feel to me as if they're a bit disconnected from the main narrative. Tightening these loose ends or integrating them more fully into the story could improve overall coherence and impact.

This narrative is engaging and well-crafted, with a strong sense of mood and setting that pulls the reader into the mystery. The modern twist of using a ghost-hunting app brings a fresh perspective to the ghost story genre. By deepening character backstory and ensuring all narrative elements are tightly woven into the main plot, the story could offer even more depth and satisfaction. Nice work!

Your story vividly captures the bittersweet emotions of a summer romance coming to an end. Chelsea and Adam's relationship is beautifully portrayed, filled with tenderness and the realization of their imminent parting. The setting by the lake serves as a perfect backdrop, enhancing the romantic and wistful mood of the narrative. The detailed descriptions of their final moments together—the feel of the water, the warmth of the sun, and the intimacy of their interactions—are engaging and evocative, drawing the reader deeply into their world.

While the emotional depth of the story is compelling, I think the narrative could benefit from a bit more conflict or a subplot to deepen the story and add layers to the characters' relationship. Perhaps introducing some earlier scenes that hint at their future challenges or exploring their backgrounds more could provide a richer context for their emotions and decisions. Additionally, I feel like the conclusion could be expanded to offer a clearer sense of closure or hint more strongly at what the future might hold for them, beyond the promise of staying in touch.

The narrative is a poignant exploration of young love, characterized by its intensity and the inevitable goodbye. The dialogue between Chelsea and Adam is natural and heartfelt, effectively conveying their mutual affection and the pain of separation. With a bit more complexity in the plot and deeper exploration of the characters' pasts or internal conflicts, the story could gain even greater emotional impact.

Your story beautifully captures the nostalgic glamour of the roaring 20s through the eyes of a child whose mother is a silent film star. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of the era, from the fashion of Gabrielle Chanel to the sensation of driving a Ford Model T. The protagonist’s perspective brings a fresh, innocent viewpoint to the glamorous yet challenging life of growing up in the spotlight. The blend of historical details with the personal experiences of the narrator creates a compelling and engaging story that celebrates the uniqueness of the time period. The inclusion of cultural icons and new technologies of the era, like frozen foods and silent films, adds authenticity and depth to the storytelling.

While the story is charming and well-paced, there could be an opportunity to deepen the emotional impact by exploring more complex interactions between the protagonist and their mother. This could include more scenes that showcase the mother’s influence on her child beyond public appearances and shopping trips, perhaps highlighting moments of personal struggle or triumph that emphasize her role as a mother, not just a celebrity. Additionally, the conflict with the science teacher offers a promising subplot that could be developed further to enhance the narrative tension and provide a fuller resolution to the story.

This tale is a delightful journey into the 1920s, seen through the eyes of someone who both idolizes and is deeply affected by their mother’s fame. It effectively mixes historical ambiance with personal storytelling, making the reader feel both the excitement and the pressures of celebrity life. With a bit of expansion on the emotional and conflict-driven elements of the story, it could offer a more rounded and powerful exploration of the characters’ lives and relationships.

Your story effectively builds suspense and creates a sense of unease that grips the reader from the start. The setting of a deserted theater department, combined with the stormy weather, sets a perfect backdrop for the eerie events that unfold. Maggie’s characterization as a novice trying something new, only to find herself in a frightening and confusing situation, adds a personal dimension that makes her easy to empathize with. The use of sensory details effectively heightens the tension and draws the reader deeper into the scene.

I think the narrative could benefit from a clearer resolution or further development of the mysterious figure to enhance the overall impact of the story. While the suspense is well-maintained, the conclusion leaves some questions unanswered about the nature and intent of the figure, which might be intentional but could frustrate some readers looking for closure. Additionally, I wonder if exploring Maggie’s emotional reactions a bit more deeply as she navigates this frightening experience could add layers to her character and make her journey through the story even more compelling.

Your story is a thrilling blend of suspense and mystery. The narrative effectively uses the elements of suspense and unexpected encounters to engage the reader, making them feel Maggie’s trepidation and urgency. With some expansion on the mysterious elements and perhaps a more defined conclusion, this story could further enhance its intriguing premise and leave a lasting impression on its audience.

Your story brings an intriguing perspective on the life of a young dragon, blending elements of fantasy and coming-of-age narratives. The development of Slynokio from an inexperienced dragon to one who encounters and interacts with humans and another dragon adds depth to his character and expands the world you've created. The addition of magical and mythical elements, such as the spirits of old dragons and the young boy who knows dragon lore, enriches the plot and provides a captivating backdrop. The detailed descriptions of Sly's actions and emotions help the reader to vividly imagine the scenes and feel connected to the protagonist.

I think the narrative would benefit from a clearer structure to enhance the flow and readability. The transitions between major events, like the hunt and Sly’s subsequent interactions, can be smoothed out to maintain a steady narrative pace. Also, considering the complexity of the storyline, expanding on some background elements, like the history of dragons and their interaction with humans, could provide a richer context for Sly’s adventures. Additionally, refining the dialogue to ensure it reflects the characters' personalities and roles more distinctly would add to the authenticity and engagement of the exchanges.

This tale is a delightful exploration into a mythical world through the eyes of a young dragon experiencing life’s complexities for the first time. Your narrative successfully captures the essence of curiosity and the thirst for knowledge inherent in young beings, whether human or dragon. The themes of friendship, learning, and growth are well-presented and resonate throughout the story. With some refinement in pacing and dialogue, this story could further enhance its charm and appeal, making Slynokio's journey even more compelling for readers.

The story captures the atmosphere of a live concert with vivid detail. Terry Hanley’s character is thoroughly explored, making his journey from retirement to rejuvenated passion a compelling arc. The narrative effectively uses the crowd's reaction and the band's dynamic performance to reach a powerful resolution where Terry realizes his deep connection to his music and his bandmates. This pivotal moment is both emotionally charged and satisfying, highlighting the transformative power of music and performance.

For me, some descriptions, particularly of the band members entering the stage, could be streamlined to maintain narrative pacing. Also, I think introducing more dialogue among the band members could provide deeper insights into their relationships and add layers to the concert experience. I'd suggest potentially incorporating a bit of backstory about Terry’s career and previous challenges to make his final decision even more poignant.

This story is an effective exploration of a musician facing the twilight of his career, set against the backdrop of a live performance that reminds him why he fell in love with music in the first place. It successfully combines the sensory details of sound, sight, and emotion to create a memorable narrative. Terry’s realization that he is not yet ready to give up the life that defines him is handled well, making the story’s conclusion uplifting and inspiring.

This story effectively captures the tension and suspense typical of a thriller, using Halloween as a backdrop. The protagonist's gradual realization of danger, mirrored by her transition from a mundane party environment to a life-threatening situation, is handled well, creating a sense of dread. The narrative successfully blends the mundane with the terrifying, using a Halloween party as a familiar setting that quickly spirals into an unexpected nightmare. The twist ending is shocking and leaves a lasting impression, illustrating the story's descent from deceptive normalcy into horror.

While the story's climax is dramatic and engaging, I think earlier parts of the narrative could benefit from tighter pacing to enhance the build-up to the final revelation. Additionally, exploring the protagonist's emotions in greater depth, for me, could add layers of psychological complexity. Providing more background on the characters, especially Mr. Smith, might also enrich the story, offering insights into their motivations and making the final twist more impactful.

Overall, this story is a gripping and well-crafted piece that effectively uses the elements of suspense and horror to engage readers. The gradual escalation of tension, combined with the protagonist's initially dismissive attitude towards Halloween, creates a compelling narrative arc.

This story successfully blends elements of the supernatural with a human core. The protagonist's journey through the mall, underscored by a pervasive sense of mystery, is really effective. The transitions between her mundane reality and the encounters with enigmatic characters are handled with a deft touch, creating a seamless blend of the ordinary and the otherworldly. The dialogue between characters, especially in the latter part of the story, is poignant and loaded with emotional weight, effectively conveying the thematic concerns of love, loss, and the passage of time.

While the narrative is intriguing, I think there could be more clarity in the progression of events to help the reader better understand the shift from a realistic setting to a more metaphysical one. Exploring the emotional background and motivations of the protagonist more deeply could also potentially enhance empathy with the characters. Additionally, I think providing a little more context about the protagonist's past and her relationships could enrich the story's emotional impact and provide a stronger foundation for the themes explored.

Overall, I thought this story was a compelling exploration of themes related to mortality, memory, and maternal love. It successfully combines elements of fantasy with a strong emotional narrative to create a thought-provoking tale with an ending that leaves a lasting impression. Nice work!

This story delivers a compelling blend of mystery and noir, bringing Lou Ryan into a complex web of crimes and personal connections. The gritty atmosphere of the speakeasy and the urban backdrop of Chicago are vividly depicted, adding authenticity to the setting. The narrative is tense, with well-paced action sequences. Lou's hard-boiled detective persona shines through, especially in his interactions with other characters. The integration of a family element through Gloria and her brother adds nuance, makes the stakes personal and the resolution more impactful.

To further enrich the narrative, I'd suggest developing the secondary characters more fully (particularly the antagonists) to provide clearer motivations and make their actions more impactful. Additionally, exploring the psychological complexities of the characters involved in the crimes could offer deeper insights into their behaviors and choices, I think. Simplifying some of the plot twists could help maintain clarity and focus, ensuring that each narrative thread has enough space to be properly explored and resolved.

Overall, this story is a strong addition to the Lou Ryan series, marked by its sharp dialogue, effective character development, and a well-constructed plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. I'm a huge fan of the noir genre and this Lou Ryan series has been a real joy to read.

This latest of Lou Ryan's adventures maintains the rich, engaging storytelling of its predecessors. The introduction of Zeke and the complex web surrounding his case makes for a compelling narrative, expanding the world Lou navigates with his gritty charm and sharp wit. The dialogue continues to be a strong point, capturing the essence of classic noir with a modern twist. The dynamic between Lou and Gloria is particularly well-drawn, offering moments of levity and genuine connection that enrich the story.

The narrative would benefit from deeper exploration of Zeke's background and his relationship with Lou, as I think this would provide more context for the emotional stakes of the story. Additionally, I feel like the pacing in the middle sections could be tightened to enhance the build-up to the climactic moments. Integrating more visual descriptions of the settings could potentially enhance the atmosphere, drawing readers deeper into the scenes. I also think that expanding on the motivations and actions of secondary characters like the judges and the antagonist would add depth and make their eventual outcomes more impactful.

Overall, the story is a great addition to the saga of Lou Ryan, packed with suspense, intrigue, and the charm that defines the series. The plot twists are well-executed, while the development of the relationship between Lou and Gloria adds a satisfying emotional layer. This tale continues to build on the strengths of its characters and setting, making for a compelling read.

Lou Ryan's latest venture into the world of private detective work is filled with intrigue. The narrative is expertly woven, with each thread of the plot meticulously laid out to maintain suspense and engage readers. Lou's characterization remains consistent and endearing, showcasing his down-to-earth charm and keen observational skills. The interactions between characters are particularly well-executed, with quick dialogue that keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. This story builds a vibrant scene of Chicago's underbelly through Lou's eyes.

While the storyline is engaging and the characters are well-developed, the plot could benefit from a bit more foreshadowing to enhance the twist involving Estelle's background. I think that would give the narrative a more cohesive feel and allow the surprise elements to integrate more smoothly with the story's progression. Additionally, some of the transitions between scenes felt a bit abrupt, similar to the last story, particularly in the latter half of the narrative. Smoothing these transitions would help maintain the flow and keep readers immersed without disruption.

Overall, this story is a good blend of classic detective tropes and modern storytelling, with Lou Ryan's character standing out a standout element for me. The narrative's strong dialogue and vivid descriptions make the scenes feel realistic, and offer a compelling view of the life of a private eye wrestling with morality. The story's conclusion is satisfying, tying up the various plot threads in a way that is both logical and emotionally resonant. This is a good story that captures the essence of the noir genre while providing fresh twists that keep it exciting and relevant.

Lou Ryan's late-night noir escapade through the streets of Chicago captures the essence of a classic detective story, complete with shadowy figures and a damsel in distress. The narrative has an authentic voice and atmospheric tension, conjuring a vivid picture of a world where danger lurks around every corner. The protagonist's first-person narration brings a personal touch, making the reader feel directly involved in the unfolding drama. The dialogue is snappy, enhancing the old-school crime thriller vibe. The moments of introspection and description blend well, offering both a compelling plot and a peek into Lou’s tough exterior to reveal a slightly softer interior.

While the story excels in building mood and character, I think the pacing might benefit from a slight adjustment to allow for deeper character development, particularly of Gloria. Understanding her backstory and motivations could add a richer layer to the narrative, making her more than just a plot device. Additionally, some transitions between the action sequences felt abrupt to me. Smoothing these out could heighten suspense and give the reader a better sense of place and time as the chase escalates. For me, the ending, while dramatic, comes off a bit rushed. Extending this final scene could provide a more satisfying closure to the high stakes that have been set up.

Overall, I think this is a gripping tale that does an excellent job of pulling the reader into its dark and moody world. Lou Ryan is a compelling character and a classic noir protagonist. The story's rich descriptions and engaging dialogue create a cinematic experience that's both entertaining and immersive. While there are areas where the narrative flow could be improved, the story remains a solid piece that offers all the thrills one would expect from a hard-boiled detective story. With a little more focus on character depth and pacing, I could see it truly shining as a standout homage to the genre.

I really enjoyed your take on this Writer's Cramp prompt. I particularly like the fact that you took the significance of the number twenty-three and showed all of the different ways that the number shows up or can be found in the composition or calculation of other numbers (two to the third power equalling eight, which is another number of mystical/spiritual significance, etc.). That was really clever and a great way to expand the poem beyond the prompt in a way that still pays homage to it. The point about the Mayan prophecy was also really well made; it feels like the reader will come away from this piece with a better understanding of the significant of the number twenty-three, in addition to having read a fun poem.

The only small suggestion I have is that you might want to consider spelling out the other numbers that aren't 23 (eight, two, third, five, etc.). I think it would make the number 23 stand out a little more visually in the poem. As it is, it gets a little lost in some stanzas with all the other numbers being mentioned.

Overall, I really enjoyed this item. I thought you did a great job working all of the symbolism and numerology into such a short item. Well done!

Always a pleasure to have the opportunity to visit your portfolio, Angelo! As always, I think you did a great job with this story. I'm always impressed with your ability to describe period pieces so vividly; no matter what the time period it always feels as if you're writing like you've had the personal experience of being there and can bring the reader along with you thanks to your nuanced descriptions. Your characters were also well-developed and the dialogue effectively helped to move the story forward.

I don't really have any suggestions, per se, but the one thing I did have a little bit of trouble with was following along with all the characters that were mentioned. In addition to the actual characters in the story there were also numerous character names referenced during the conversation, which created a bit of confusion about who was who as the story progressed.

Overall, despite the relatively minor note above, I really enjoyed this story. I think you did a great job with the characters, the dialogue, and the story, enough that you were able to keep the reader's (or at least this reader's!) attention throughout this short, compelling contest entry. Nice work!

The familiar, conversational style of this piece is excellent. It definitely feels like some local giving the reader directions and then, subsequently, a little backstory about Bubba's Corner BBQ. The pacing was excellent and it kept the reader's interest throughout with a unique and compelling narrative. I particularly like the excessively bizarre directions in the first half of the story; that was my favorite part of this short piece.

In the paragraphs where you're describing the hog's adventure, you use the phase "no one saw" a couple of times and it started to feel a bit redundant. I'm also not entirely sure about the explanation for why he's not on a corner. Is the idea that his original location burned down and then the business had to move (but still didn't change its name)? If so, I think that needs a little more clarification. If that's not what the story was trying to convey, then I missed it entirely!

Overall, this was a fun, lighthearted story to read and I thought you did a good job with the prompt. It reminded me of all the businesses that have unique names out there because there's a funny story behind it somewhere in their backstory. Nice job!

My favorite part of this story was the parallel with "Little Red Riding Hood" and a few other familiar fairytales/allegories. I thought you did a good job of depicting Sally and the Rabbit, and their interaction with the wolf.

It's a little unclear why Sally was still so difficult with the rabbit even after he saved her life. It's actually a little unclear whether Sally was even fazed by the wolf jumping out and threatening to eat her, because the rabbit told his lie before the reader even knows what her reaction is. But, assuming it's one of fear or anxiety, it's strange that she's still so focused on the rabbit's lying when the lie so clearly benefitted her in that scene.

Toward the end of the story, it felt like there was a lack of a resolution because there wasn't much conflict to begin with. I was hoping for a twist or a lesson learned or something, but the story resolved itself rather abruptly and without much conflict or friction.

Overall, this was an entertaining story with the familiarity of an old fairytale or children's myth, but the lack of conflict and the characters' single-minded focus on the lying made it feel like the story was missing a little something. Still, it's a great foundation to work from. Nice work!

I enjoyed this poem, especially the various epitaphs that Gertrude wrote and were conveyed throughout the piece. Some of the characters were really unique and their situations were original, which helped the piece stand out.

I struggled a bit with the second part of the poem, when it was switched to being about Gertrude herself. The change in focus made for a bit of a jarring juxtaposition against what came before, especially in the last stanza where it went from "Gertrude's job" to "Gertrude suddenly died" in the span of a single line. I think some additional content is needed between those two elements so that it's not so abrupt.

Ending the poem on the sentiment that Gertrude was "a hottie" left me a bit confused. The entire poem up until this point was about Gertrude's job and the people she wrote about; it was a little confusing that the poem didn't just switch perspectives to being about Gertude's life itself, but then about her appearance.

Overall, I liked the idea of this poem and think there's a ton of potential here. It's a little rough around the edges in terms of execution, but you've got a great foundation to work with and improve upon. Nice work!

I enjoyed your take on the prompt. I thought you were able to weave the prompt words into the narrative flawlessly, to the point where if they hadn't been bolded I don't think I would have even noticed. I also really like the detail and characterization in this story. From the car ride at the very beginning, it was a vivid, realistic scene you portrayed with enough description to make the reader feel like they're really present in the scene with the characters.

The only thing that didn't work as well for me was the Halloween scene before Jack had his first "chat". The "ghostly version of Davy Jones" costume was a little hard to imagine, and was a bit lacking in the same level of detail and description that you gave the rest of the story. For me, this is where the story needed that additional detail, when describing what exactly Jack was so intimidated by.

Overall, I thought you did a great job with this Writer's Cramp entry, and made the most of a prompt which I usually find really difficult for me personally... disassociated random words that you have to figure out how to string together. Nice work, although that's not really a surprise coming from you.

This was a really eloquent, well-written item. I'm particularly happy to see that you covered so much ground and different perspectives; at first I was reading, when you said "focus on the present, not the past or the future" I was thinking that something needed to be said about the value of learning from the past or anticipating the future, but then you covered both of those topics in subsequent paragraphs nicely. I also liked the point you made about the malleability of time (specifically with respect to the anticipation of and then experience during your vacation). All of these points were well-made and worth considering by all readers.

I don't have any specific areas of improvement. I thought this was an excellent item that fully explored its central premise and did a great job of breaking it down and explaining it to the reader.

Overall, you did a great job with this item. And I see this was written shortly after your first item on the site; all I can say is that your earlier items are way better than mine were! Thanks for the thought-provoking read; it really is worth sharing with anyone who needs some help with their perspective of remaining in the present as much as possible.

I love haiku as a poetic form, even more so when someone chains them together and includes more than one! I thought you did a great job with this haiku chain, each of them has really memorable, intense visuals which are the hallmark of the haiku form. I particularly liked your selection of adjectives, as they really helped create the vivid imagery of the poems in the simplest possible terms.

A couple of the lines felt a little incomplete to me. At the end of the first haiku, the line "soon the harvest moon" doesn't seem to have any connection to the rest of the haiku (which is focused on the imagery of leaves), or the haiku that follows it. For me, haiku are most effective when they follow the traditional structure of capturing a moment in time rather than being purely descriptive, and it was sometimes difficult to find the exact moment or feeling you were trying to capture in the stanzas, almost like you were looking for the poem as a whole to illustrate the point. Which is totally fine, but I think the piece could be even better if, with a form like haiku that thrives on vivid imagery, that imagery and focus was consistent both on a granular level (the individual haiku) as well as a macro level (the chain as a whole).

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this haiku chain about my favorite season of the year. Nice work!