This is excellent Robert!

Entrapment in the psyche of self, as one is, not as one would wish to be...

Hmmm... "Your mind is like a field of shattered glass". Powerfully expressed, compelling write, Sir Ace. One of your best yet.

Robert, this may be my favorite work by you. As you know, I am intrigued by human nature, the forces that drive it, and you have captured a darker side in a way I rarely can. Wonderful.

Superb extrapolation of how deep, dark data
can take up residence in our psyche. Some of the traits you mention are part of us all, but if this is an mo of someone who has all of it , they are in deep trouble. Not being able to sing ato the open sky would be enough to undo me.

You ended this with a superb visual 'cautionary tale' rebut, Robert. And, your lines about looking into your own eyes hit me in particular. I've often tried to see 'behind' my eyes, to no avail. I mentioned this to a friend, he advised me only when I knew myself would I be able to see "Me". I think he's right.

Erin

My tired soul say this one is full of dark, brooding genius.

Ron

dog gone Robert, you know me so well! your poem is one reason I guard so hard positively. can't be negative guarding a messed up whole. The whole being me, course I had to add the "W." Spelled whole, still apart of the hole. One day after I am woke up in life, I realized that my whole and hole was screwed up, I've been protecting and correcting ever since then. have a happy new year and watch your whole and your hole, sometimes holes and wholes might need guarding. The fools who feel they are perfect are the one's that get slipped and slapped up on. G

your powers of description shine in this darker write, as does your insight into the modus operandi of one soul. after reading this through twice and contemplating its message, I can say this touched something very deep within me, esp. the lines "your mind is like a field of shattered glass/your voice bleeding solemn words" which describes how I've felt the past month or so(partly due to medication that has failed to stem the rapid cycling I experience with bipolar disorder). The image of "bottomless ravines in the abyss you sought..." also struck a chord as I'm beginning to "see" how a part of me felt I was destined for those valleys of darkness. Thus, many of the dark experiences in past decades. Finally, you've given me a perhaps unintended gift in that this poem brought me a bit of peace and joy in that I do sing to the open sky more than I ever have in my life. And that is a beautiful thing. Sorry for going on and on here. This poem is just so packed with wisdom, Jude. Thank you.

Fruitful write, powerful depth, leads ones mind to an array of meditation.

Powerful and thought-provoking verses, Jude. Thank you for sharing this offering. Love and peace. Regis

i like this. alot.... it kind of is reminiscent of "shine on you crazy diamond" by pink floyd

oooo, Robert, such effortless rhyme, sacrificing none of the thrust to make it happen... for me the heart of this evocative poem is "You...rarely ever sing to the open sky" You remain a master of metaphor, yet so cerebrally accessible. It's hard to find the words... perhaps, because it connected on some emotional level that is felt, rather than spoken. I like this one! katy xox.

Dear Jude,

Sometimes it may "feel" like the best place to be, to remain buried, the fears, dreams emotions all somehow seem to urge you to stay. Yet we should listen to the voice of reason, and acknowledge the difference between living and existing. Thought provoking, and powerful write Jude.

warm hugs
Elga

The ACE, I heard, that if one built a hole two hundred feet down, and looked up, one would see the stars, in day time. As a kid I dug about two or three feet before my dad grounded me...

The dark poetic images are like some of my dreams were, when I was married..

This is a poem of conflict, "Guarding Your Hole" is being used as an extended metaphor. I like the way you managed to draw a painting in these words, the way you dispense a brooding imagery and express the conflict. It has both the internal and external elements to make a feast of imagery.

In friendship and admiration,
Debashish

PS: In your eighth and last couplet L1: you-->your; and ago-->back..."left" and "back" together gives better sonics!

i finally got out of that hole years ago, but still stumble sometimes into the do nothing phase. I always somehow get back to my creative side. This do hit home Robert.

I don't agree to bury oneself in a hole and looking up at just a fraction of the sky. One should get out of the hole and just keep walking, never looking back, be it where one's footprints had been, it is not always wise to re-trace them. One should keep walking forward, not backward.

This poem is deep, and has a great message. Wonderful write, Robert!

Happy New Year to you!

Sandie Angel a.k.a. Sandie May Angel :o)

This was deeply felt Robert!!

Love Tinka

Deep introspective work that reaches out to pull the reader in to look at their own hole and see if they too have tears in the fabric of their own reasoniing.

Excellento as my children used to say,

Felix

Sadly, it seems many prefer to remain buried in a hole, neglecting their soul, these days. A truly powerful poem, Robert.

Take it from one that knows..it's not the stumbling that matters, it's whether you choose to get back up or not.
There are going to be many that relate herein.
I think maybe this is my favorite Robert..Excellent poetry.

Lisa

Into the bottomless pit, where the hole of extinction lies buried, are the dreams we left behind. Outstanding write that you have woven for us to ponder on.

...Seems like you are pressing many buttons with this one, Jude, and paint a vivid portrait of character traits which many highly creative and spiritually open and aware people share. Those engaged in the arts have so much emotional traffic going on that it is sometimes difficult for them to distinguish between what is their own "bag" and what is that of someone else they are seeking to empathise with... now wonder we often feel and behave as though "mad"! On the other hand, the bi-polar personality is a painful one to be involved with: like birthing pangs or death throes, it can confuse and breed a sense of frustrated helplessness in those who can only look on. This is very powerful and very painful for those of us who know that "the cap fits". And, yes, sorry!! I have already broken my New Year's resolution of trying to keep my reviews brief... better luck tomorrow! :)) TY Kate xx

I can relate to this. Excellent!

There are those who continue to be the victim time and time again. No matter what avenue they pursue, they all arrive at the same dead end. They don't guard themselves from becoming prey, in fact it begins to appear as though they lure those people, they know will be their adversaries, into their world. It is impossible to grow spiritually when you refuse to identify, accept responsibility for and change that which continues to tarnish your existence. This is very profound and insightful poetry, Robert. I really enjoyed all the wonderful images in this piece; you have some very colorful lines. I love this!
Take care,
Sherry

I can relate to this write. Stumbling on the path is all part of the lessons we go through. I find the more we become aware of the light the more we also have to understand the darkness. Balance. Great write.

Your writing is outstanding as always. This is a magnificant dark poem. Unfortunately, it is me without my medication.

So deep and beautiful, this one speaks to the worn spirit, outstanding Jude.

Reindeer

Somehow this reminds me of the dreams I had. Oh and I do know the difference down here there is a little war going on between UPS and USPS that is the nickname the Postmistress gives the guys in the brown truck. She fouls up more than anything but that is the USPS and my brother works for them. But I like your style of writing. Keep going

It has this feel of Nature as well as speaking of the inner self, Bob, and I really like it, if I am interpretating it correctly...Peace and Happy New Year, sir, Ed & Rufuz (w00f)

Stumble In Your Own Footprints,i.e. Typical Of Humanity_

I Laugh El Pres Bush,TV,Media,Papers Callen Indonesia 9.0 Earthquake Is Out Of Control Nature_

For Christ's Sake----HE (God) IS NATURE_

Excellent !

TRASK