77 Comments
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Sue Banerji's avatar

I felt the words, the emotions crawling under my skin. Such is the power of poetry! Yes, I saw the shattered hearts... great work... all the poets and my darling BCP loves.

Big hugs.

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thanking you with so much gratitude, sweet Sue.

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Sue Banerji's avatar

Edward…I can only imagine the hard work (intensity, quantity and time to name a few) from a bunch of perfectionists..this is such a wonderful place to appreciate such talents. I really wish you guys all the success in the world.

Both as curators/ host and writers.

I also love the theme of each collaboration. Poetry should be able to address such difficult subjects!

Totally thrilled for this ‘present’❤️❤️

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Marcia Abboud's avatar

I feel like I'm bleeding, or something. Wow. I wish I was a poet...

Samantha... your dad... I saw it all. Fucking heartbreaking 💔

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Samantha Lazar's avatar

Thank you for reading!!!

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Marcia Abboud's avatar

You’re so welcome, Samantha :)

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thanking you, sweet Marce.

Both collections were challenging to collate, yet we don’t back down from any fucking challenge worth its salt. 🥹🌪

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Marcia Abboud's avatar

No you don’t, darling!!

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Nancy Santos's avatar

Y’all left everything on the page in gut-wrenching poetic fashion.

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Black Coffee Creative's avatar

Thank you! We tried ✨✨

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The Forgotten Muse's avatar

I’m reading and listening my way through the collection and it’s so surreal. Great job everyone 💜

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Edward Swafford's avatar

It was a bloody emotional collection, I cried over four or five pieces.

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The Forgotten Muse's avatar

Aww bless your heart

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Daniel's avatar

Wish I’d known to submit. https://substack.com/@danielhalem/note/p-159839554

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Black Coffee Creative's avatar

Now you know us!

We run one themed collection per week, though next week is freestyle (no theme!) 🌪🌪

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Jill Eng's avatar

Edward--when I reread your piece it deepens and the words penetrate indefinitely. It's quite fascinating ❣️

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Black Coffee Creative's avatar

Thank you!! 🥹🌪

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Debdutta Pal's avatar

This feels like a dream. Scratch that, it is one. Reality is never so...transformative.

No one wake me up.

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Edward Swafford's avatar

I’ll be interested to read your thoughts pertaining to Part II…

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Debdutta Pal's avatar

Let me start preparing. ☕️

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Hahaaaa x

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Jozef Cain's avatar

This stuff isn't easy but it's easier with you all here together. Watching you all support one another makes my heart warm. I love it. One Love.

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Richard Blaisdell's avatar

Difference seconds make.

Hanging bye a thread. Drop of Socratic hemlock

Taste of iodine stab on tip of tongue turned around hate the stopping point of no return. Jump of joy bridge to high, so am I. No one around. Friends offered help. Too far upon steel girders to turn around down I fall Coronado suspension waves reach me. Take my hands pull me under waves goodbye. Oh too late. Rifle ready. Triggered with carbon monoxide invisible I am like the gas . Push accelerator. Windows closed. No one knows. Trapped by my own thoughts there’s no way to exit from a revolving door spins to fast can’t get through to the outside. Hammers in head sledge in veins my heart stops.

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Jozef Cain's avatar

Your prolific yet casual SOC is not lost on me, Richard. One Love.

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Richard Blaisdell's avatar

You see and hear the birds sing.

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ennui_go's avatar

I’m grateful to be a part of this. I think you guys are doing great work and I appreciate the space you’re creating.

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thank you, Joshua!

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Jozef Cain's avatar

Thanks for being here ennui, we meet again, One Love friend.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Well done to every involved in this. This one, in particular, took immense courage and vulnerability, and I commend everyone involved. I am filled with pride to be amongst such fantastic writers.

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Boo Pfeiffer's avatar

Wow. Thank you. All of you. Just wow.

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Jozef Cain's avatar

One Love Boo.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Thank you, Boo! For holding this collection, and for participating in the next. We appreciate you! 💛

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thank you! Your piece is in Part II (and IMO has one of the most breathtaking and relevant accompanying images) so fear not!

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Taqaddus Qamar's avatar

I’m totally blown away by these images. They’re so deep, I can’t even find the right words to explain how I feel. Just a big 'WOW' to everyone who took part and gave their best!

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thank you so much, Taqaddus! I’ve missed your presence, feel free to submit to any upcoming collection! ^_^

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Taqaddus Qamar's avatar

Yes sure! 👍

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Devo/Murphy Carpenter's avatar

What an amazing and real collection you’ve done it again bravo I’m beyond grateful to be a part of it

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Jozef Cain's avatar

You're support means the world. Your writing is always fantastic. Thank you for getting vulnerable with us.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Thank you, Devo. Your piece was beautifully written. We are grateful to have you! 💛

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Black Coffee Creative's avatar

We are so thankful for your piece, dear Devo 🥹🖤

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Devo/Murphy Carpenter's avatar

Thank you that means so much

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Jack A. MacDonald's avatar

So happy to be a part of this anthology! Everybody's work here is so strong and tough and beautiful! Thanks again!

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Jozef Cain's avatar

Glad you came along for the ride. We all are in this together and it's so great to be a part of something bigger than myself. So thank you for being here.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

You are also amongst that strength and beauty, Jack. And I thank you for that!

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Lots of beauty!

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Black Coffee Creative's avatar

Welcome back any time 🌪🌪🌪

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Ral Joseph's avatar

Absolute perfection here BCP. I feel so proud to be a part of this one. And thanks a million to BCP for having me on this one.

The poets and poems are deep in river. It's transcensional. I love, love.

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Jozef Cain's avatar

Thanks for sharing this space with us. One Love Ral.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Always a pleasure to have you, Ral!

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Love you back, lover x.

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