45 Comments
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Shelby Kent-Stewart's avatar

What a beautiful piece, Tom. As the country devolves into chaos, cruelty, and corruption at the whim of a demented wannabe king, it's important that we remember those whose work embraced love and inclusiveness, not hate.

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you Shelby. Things are so difficult right now, I wanted to write something that said love still matters.

Shelby Kent-Stewart's avatar

You did it beautifully.

ken taylor's avatar

like to comment but Ms. Shelby has spoken my heart.

It's been too long since such was what we wrote and talked about, looking for thwe love and the good in others.

Jil's avatar

I'm speechless, Tom. This is a masterpiece.

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you Jil!!

GREGG PLAPAS's avatar

Great writing Tom, and your story was told with immense suspicion of who the kid "Bobby" really was. I believe this was done intentionally. Nevertheless, one can only derive in hopes that it was Dylan. At least, that is what I'd love to believe who the kid was. Thank you for writing this.

Tom Joad's avatar

Yeah it was Bobby all along. Thanks for reading!!

MyraMe61's avatar

I read this with tears running down my face. It's a beautiful story of love, loss and responsibility for the future through that love . Thank you🫂

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you Myra!!

The Mad Widow's avatar

This was beautiful. Dylan is one of my favorites.

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you!

Jane Mickelborough's avatar

this made me cry.

I was wondering if it was Dylan before I got to "Bobby"

beautiful - thankyou

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you for reading!!

Lalisa's avatar

That was devastatingly beautiful. You didn’t just write about Woody—you wrote about what it means to carry someone’s sound in your bones. I felt the heartbreak, but also the hope. This piece really touches the soul Tom…thanks for that!

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you for reading

Carrie's avatar

If I weren't at work I would be sobbing. (that's a compliment)

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you Carrie for reading!

Sun Warrior's avatar

Playing “Song to Woody” from Bobby’s first. And I’m crying.

Janice Harrison's avatar

What a beautiful story, Tom! I kept thinking Bob all along.....on some alternate plane this story's continuing! I'm sure it is! You have quite a talent!

Janice Harrison's avatar

Would love to know Bob has read it too!

Yvonne M's avatar

Evocative. Something to sit with and absorb and feel. A timely and gentle yet powerful reminder. Thank you.

Terisa Rogatz's avatar

That was an incredible, beautiful, moving piece of writing.

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you so much!!

Carolyn Isabelle's avatar

Beautiful piece. Your wife was right. One of your best. Very moving with such an important message of how to be.

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you!!

Diarkos Pistevo's avatar

Beautiful sir, just beautiful

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you

Walter Rhein's avatar

Nice!

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you Sir!

Shirley Bates's avatar

Crying….

Tom Joad's avatar

I did too, when I was writing.