As a straight guy, I gotta tell you, there is nothing in this story that bothers me. I was twenty-two when the 80's hit, and was familiar with sex and drugs and rock'n'roll. (Emphasis on the drugs.) I hung out with friends who were fucking the strippers in the bars we hung out in, and we'd go up to their rooms and party with lines, smoke and drinks. This story is so easy for me to get into. I don't care that it's a queer story. We used to go to the gay bars in town because they had the best MDA around. Hits for $10; high for 18 hours. I fell in love with the voice after the first paragraph and haven't let go.
I am in awe. Really pulled into place and feelings of loss. I forget it is fiction. It is, isn’t it? Lamb sure must be real....god I don’t want to know where this is going....
And as I said in my last comment (I think) I am totally roped into this story already — where’s Lamb!?
Also, I’ll be honest, I have not read much LGBTQ+ fiction, and so there was something about this bit —
“ They’d go home and have sloppy drunk sex, probably the other guy thinking Lamb was going to fuck his brains out. Lamb being a big old bottom and usually half-blacked out, his tricks didn’t get very far—when they got to the part where someone had to get behind the wheel, nobody wanted the job. There wasn’t a lot of repeat business. — that I found especially interesting.
I realize this has a bawdiness to it (on purpose) - I've always been intrigued by the use of the word "trick" among gay men, borrowed from prostitution, and the transactional nature of a delayed sexual socialization which comes with alcohol, drugs and no adult supervision - there was even a movie called "Trick" in 1999 with a hilarious line we still quote around the house: "Have you ever had cum in your eye? It BURNS!" 🤪 Anyway! I'm obviously not one of those who believes "our" fiction should only portray rosy, healthy, picture perfect gays, merrily assimilated into straight life - the way to dispel stereotypes is not to offer an idealized version, but as honest and true a version as possible. Thanks Michael!
I agree, and I realise that when I said “interesting” that was kind of vague. What I found interesting was exactly what you said, the honest and true version. Because it’s a world I’m not familiar with, it was cool, interesting, intriguing and insightful to get a window into a different perspective. Thanks Troy :)
I'm glad, I knew you were expressing curiosity, no worries - I just wanted to open that window a little wider... ;) I've thought about starting a Thread with some thoughts and for people to ask questions or give feedback but I also think that's what the Comments section is for. 🧡
I love hearing about these parts of SF, makes me yearn for my time there (although I know it has changed so much, and most of it not for the good), and the apartment....I am living vicariously through this amazing story and wishing it was me moving in there.
And, like the rest of your readers, I am deeply concerned about Lamb and what's happening to him💔 (didn't want you to think I was a superficial bitch focused only on the gorgeous digs🤣)!
🤣 Not at all, the regional pastime of the Bay Area is discussing housing situations. ;)
I have a really clear picture in my head of this apartment - a gorgeous Frankenflat glued and stapled together from other people's - and if I'd ever had a place like that in SF we might still be living there. (Although, yes, SF has come pretty far down from the 90s, sadly.) Did you live there very long, Donna?
I was in the Bay Area going to school and spent as much time as I possibly could in SF and Berkeley, which was a lot. I feel very fortunate to have had the experiences I had there, it was amazing.
Your writing is so electric. It's sharp and alive. You make it seem effortless.
Also, I love the title Poof. I'm not sure you're aware of this, although I'm assuming you are, but Poof is a slang term for gay in South Africa (and other places).
Anyhow, the way you fill each line with life and vitality is really incredible. Such a gift.
Thank you Troy, appreciate your kind words. I did know about "poof" and there was a bit to double entendring going on ;) Our culture's propensity to view lives as disposable is a very deep wound, this work is a reflection on how one such life deeply affected another person's.
Love part deux as much as part one. You kept me on edge from first word to last. I'm anxious to know where Lamb went. It must be so odd to have all his things, but no him. Heartbreaking.
Wow, what a strong second chapter. I’m not sure where this is going, but my sense is that Lamb will be defined by his absence. in a few pages, you’ve already created such a presence for this character. So good.
You have a grand following for good reason. I'm late to this party, but, man, I am in ...
Thank you, you are most welcome, Mary!
As a straight guy, I gotta tell you, there is nothing in this story that bothers me. I was twenty-two when the 80's hit, and was familiar with sex and drugs and rock'n'roll. (Emphasis on the drugs.) I hung out with friends who were fucking the strippers in the bars we hung out in, and we'd go up to their rooms and party with lines, smoke and drinks. This story is so easy for me to get into. I don't care that it's a queer story. We used to go to the gay bars in town because they had the best MDA around. Hits for $10; high for 18 hours. I fell in love with the voice after the first paragraph and haven't let go.
Well.... you certainly have my attention.
Mine too.
I am in awe. Really pulled into place and feelings of loss. I forget it is fiction. It is, isn’t it? Lamb sure must be real....god I don’t want to know where this is going....
Haha thanks Bertus, yes fiction with a smattering of real places from that era.
Another great chapter, Troy!
And as I said in my last comment (I think) I am totally roped into this story already — where’s Lamb!?
Also, I’ll be honest, I have not read much LGBTQ+ fiction, and so there was something about this bit —
“ They’d go home and have sloppy drunk sex, probably the other guy thinking Lamb was going to fuck his brains out. Lamb being a big old bottom and usually half-blacked out, his tricks didn’t get very far—when they got to the part where someone had to get behind the wheel, nobody wanted the job. There wasn’t a lot of repeat business. — that I found especially interesting.
Great chapter, Troy!
I realize this has a bawdiness to it (on purpose) - I've always been intrigued by the use of the word "trick" among gay men, borrowed from prostitution, and the transactional nature of a delayed sexual socialization which comes with alcohol, drugs and no adult supervision - there was even a movie called "Trick" in 1999 with a hilarious line we still quote around the house: "Have you ever had cum in your eye? It BURNS!" 🤪 Anyway! I'm obviously not one of those who believes "our" fiction should only portray rosy, healthy, picture perfect gays, merrily assimilated into straight life - the way to dispel stereotypes is not to offer an idealized version, but as honest and true a version as possible. Thanks Michael!
I agree, and I realise that when I said “interesting” that was kind of vague. What I found interesting was exactly what you said, the honest and true version. Because it’s a world I’m not familiar with, it was cool, interesting, intriguing and insightful to get a window into a different perspective. Thanks Troy :)
I'm glad, I knew you were expressing curiosity, no worries - I just wanted to open that window a little wider... ;) I've thought about starting a Thread with some thoughts and for people to ask questions or give feedback but I also think that's what the Comments section is for. 🧡
I love hearing about these parts of SF, makes me yearn for my time there (although I know it has changed so much, and most of it not for the good), and the apartment....I am living vicariously through this amazing story and wishing it was me moving in there.
And, like the rest of your readers, I am deeply concerned about Lamb and what's happening to him💔 (didn't want you to think I was a superficial bitch focused only on the gorgeous digs🤣)!
🤣 Not at all, the regional pastime of the Bay Area is discussing housing situations. ;)
I have a really clear picture in my head of this apartment - a gorgeous Frankenflat glued and stapled together from other people's - and if I'd ever had a place like that in SF we might still be living there. (Although, yes, SF has come pretty far down from the 90s, sadly.) Did you live there very long, Donna?
I was in the Bay Area going to school and spent as much time as I possibly could in SF and Berkeley, which was a lot. I feel very fortunate to have had the experiences I had there, it was amazing.
Berkeley-SF-Oakland was my home for 32 years, but we move forward... 🧡
So a little over three years there.
Cliffhanger!
Oh, oh Lamb... the wait for Friday is going to be rough!!
😘
Your writing is so electric. It's sharp and alive. You make it seem effortless.
Also, I love the title Poof. I'm not sure you're aware of this, although I'm assuming you are, but Poof is a slang term for gay in South Africa (and other places).
Anyhow, the way you fill each line with life and vitality is really incredible. Such a gift.
Thank you Troy, appreciate your kind words. I did know about "poof" and there was a bit to double entendring going on ;) Our culture's propensity to view lives as disposable is a very deep wound, this work is a reflection on how one such life deeply affected another person's.
I can feel exactly what you're going for, and appreciate it.
🙏
Worried about Lamb, but glad Mando's out of the picture...You've got me hooked on this story, Troy!
That's me, a hooker. 🤣 Thanks Jeffrey!
🤭
So sad! Lamb's struggle is one we can all relate to on some level, real and palpable. The last thing he told you was he loved you....
Remembering that this is all fiction, yes, that was very sweet of him... 🤣🤣🤣
I wasn’t expecting this at all. Powerful. Poof is right.
I'm excited and nervous trying to sustain that energy - thanks, Kimberly!
No lamb?! Already jonesing for the next installment.
This 3 episode preface continues next week, so not long- thank you Holly! Glad to have you here.
Very well done, Mr Troy Ford! I'm very much enjoying this one, and I so hope that you'll keep it up!
Thanks John, glad to hear it!
Love part deux as much as part one. You kept me on edge from first word to last. I'm anxious to know where Lamb went. It must be so odd to have all his things, but no him. Heartbreaking.
"Bittersweet" is one of my vision words for this story. Thank you for being here, my dear.
:-*
Wow, what a strong second chapter. I’m not sure where this is going, but my sense is that Lamb will be defined by his absence. in a few pages, you’ve already created such a presence for this character. So good.
Thanks Ben! You'll get to see a lot more of Lamb, painfully so. 😘