A very profound write. Small talks actually fix a lot. We sometimes tend to ignore our feelings and not communicate them. I love this senryu.

--- MKKK

Health is being compromised as well, so much happiness for sure has been prevented. Those talk would have mended a lot more than we can fathom.

Thank you for sharing this.

Amazing senryu, Ben. The strength found in vulnerability has a unique and healing power, we all should put aside our pride…we’ll live happier.
Thank you for sharing this piece.

J.R.

Like the others, I enjoyed this senryu immensely! It could apply to so many aspects of our lives. I especially like the use of "catharsis" here, which I usually associate as something personal and singular. But we, as a collective, can experience it too. It makes me think of what it means to acknowledge feelings. Of how we can do that better by being active listeners. The only time I feel like this becomes more nuanced is when I am unable to acknowledge others' feelings when it's based in misinformation or is rooted in a harmful notion. But if someone is genuine, if someone is curious, if we are able to have the space and energy to talk, then that can be an important tool to use. Sadly, and maybe it's the cynic in me, I do think there are things that are too beyond talking about. When people already have their minds made up, and there's no point to convince them otherwise or educate... but for the most part, I think this is a valuable lesson we all can work on. There is probably so much hidden stigma we aren't even aware of if we don't personally experience it, and maybe the greatest gift we can offer someone is believing their experience, believing their feelings, and opening up that space for them to be heard.

Or buggered off for nearly 4 years, I'd love to say I went to a temple to find myself, but nope. Nothing glamorous

This poem is awesome, my commenting needs to wake up though.
That first line though, I'd love to steal it for a song title.

Well done mate