23 Comments
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Monica A Leyva's avatar

Cynthia, Your ability to braid innocence with devastation here is remarkable. The tonal progression from playful folklore into generational grief felt seamless, almost mythic in cadence. I especially admired how Love remained gentle without becoming simplistic. The piece understands that enduring kindness often emerges from proximity to suffering rather than distance from it.

“Every hope also has bled tears” is an extraordinary line.

Beautiful work,

Monica

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Monica! Thank you so much for capturing the nuances of Love’s character. I always look forward to hearing your insightful read on my pieces. Grateful to have you as my friend!

Monica A Leyva's avatar

I feel exactly the same way.

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Awww thank you, Monica:)

Firefly in the Forest's avatar

What a beautiful, hopeful piece, Cynthia. Love to see you writing some prose again too.

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Emi-I am so glad you enjoyed this piece! This was inspired when I was in Poland! Traveling helped create this love gnome:)

Firefly in the Forest's avatar

So impressed you wrote on your travels. That's dedication to your craft 🥰

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Thanks Emi! It was a push for sure but the gnome inspired me:)

Firefly in the Forest's avatar

Wondering if you sneaked him home 😉

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

I wish! I looked for small gnomes but nobody carried the on with locks!

Firefly in the Forest's avatar

Haha maybe on your xmas wishlist

Tammy B's avatar

Cynthia, I totally agree with Monica A Leyva on this. She responded with exactly what I was thinking. Incredible work. You’re a wonderful writer!✍️ 🌸❤️‍🩹😊

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Thanks Tammy for the restack also!!

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Awww thanks so much Tammy! I appreciate your kind words. Means alot to me!!

Gnorts Omen's avatar

i Love how He perseveres with Love, despite the so much that can lead us astray. He is a Pillar of Hope✊

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Good to meet you, Gnorts! I am so happy to learn that this piece resonated with you. He really is the “pillar of hope”! We need that in life:)

Brandi Lynn's avatar

The haunting contrast between the gnome’s simple, cheerful exterior and the decades of heavy, blood-soaked history he silently carries makes his choice to keep offering a smile feel incredibly profound and necessary. Great write Cynthia ✨

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Thank you Brandi. You give such thoughtful responses. Appreciate you:)

Steena Hernandez's avatar

Beautifully written, Cynthia. This is more than I could have imagined when I first saw the pic. The Love Gnome has witnessed so much and yet, he still carries hope. Love this so much!! ❤️

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Awww I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for the suggestion, Steena! I liked being stretched. Appreciate you!

Emmett Tatter's avatar

So cool!

Silent Words with Cynthia Wong's avatar

Thanks so much Emmett! Means alot to me:)