Your love of language shows--intriguing piece, indeed. Kate.

Ron

Your juxtapositions in this poem are most intriguing as they frame the themes illusion and transformation in much the same way Shakespeare uses the words "seems" and "seeming" in Hamlet. Love how you tidied up in your last stanza, Kate. ~~Nordette

Kate, this is simply an outstanding poem. It will linger. Keeper.

Ok, that's it! Right off my chair, this sent me. Plus, my head is reeling, trying to express myself for the absolute marvel that you are, poetry-wise AND person-wise. Jaysus, Kate, my dear tulip, this is, indeed, how it's done! This is the template... and you stand back and whisper so we can't hear, 'hmmmm... what shall I write next, I wonder' leaving me gasping and unable to let go of this one yet.

You are what I said you are: a marvel! (savoring is so good for the soul... thank you for that). Now, into my library. kaptivated katy (as you, yourself, might say.. hehe) xox

Another beautiful creation Kate, expressed with clarity of thought and vision.

Paul;-]

This is most thought-provoking, Kate; it calls for more than one reading. Compelling creation. Thank you for sharing this offering. Love and peace. Regis

oh this is beautiful, and the title is perfection as well. I found lots of wisdom in this poem that is such a nice capture of John Paul's powerful work here (and I'd wager there as well, though the Church might not be thrilled with a wager...) thanks for this

again your poetry embraces the essential elements in transforming the emotion and thought process i become opened to and then intercepting me into the vision the poem reveals ... yes, all is not what it seems but what seems to be most valid is what we touch within our hearts, beyond the material world ...

I agree with Sherry Kate , in that we travel best when we recognize we were first alone and shouldn't give that private self away, even when mated with children. sharing is meant to be mutual,loving, and giving, but we get into trouble when we try to own...This is a beautiful tribute to a man who exemplified selflessness while still being himself.

Thanks for your support!;-)
Love,
Eileen

Thoroughly enjoyed this write, Kate. So many aspects of just being intrude into a relationship close up. These shackles are released at a distance, when ones's true essence is alive. Our senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, taste can compete with our other finer senses...if that makes sense!

The clarity that you express in this poem becomes tangible to the reader, Kate. I have to admit that I feel the most centered, as well as connected to myself and the world around me when I am resting in solitude without the intermingled presence of others. Our journey in life is ours alone, though I do believe that we are intended to interact and cohabitate with other humans, as well. I feel that it is vital to spend time in our solo flights if we are to be of any real value to others in the time that we spend with them. "Know thyself." Very nice job on this, Kate.
Take care,
Sherry

Kate,

A mesmerizing peek into what the afterlife must be like--thought provoking and very profoundly moving, your words!

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :(

You have delved into the world after death where all you see is indeed real and is what it seems.

Sleeping, do not touch me lest I die -
awakened from my reality
to rise instead into a yawning grave,
the searing embrace of a material world.

A truly interesting poem, Kate.

Alone is where I'm intimate;
it is only at a distance
that I can truly love.

Awesome words... sometimes, the closeness of love can be uncomfortable... but distance helps us understand it all