I liked this. Strong imagery and clear, concise writing well combined. Kate's comment is interesting in that it refers to the Bible as the solution to the spiritual emptiness of modern life wheras I think the Bible is the cause of it. But then I';m a fire breathing radical from norther England wheras Kate is a nice Home Counties girl.
best
Ian.

Hugs. Been there.

The faceless hearts, so sad! There is
a truth to be looked upon and in that
we are jaded.

Jude...another gem my friend...love n luck...BHUWAN!!!

All Hearts Are Faceless Until They Bleed,i.e. Face There Own Truth...

TRASK

Closed minds whose hearts beat on. Would it were that they would open up before struck dead.

Ron

So true. It is the jealousy that prevents freedom from becoming a reality. And not just freedom from the oppression of rulers, dictators or governmental tyranny; but freedom from personal oppressors. The people we interact with in our daily lives who try to take away our worth so they can feel more worthy.

Jude, you always inspire me! ~ Sara

Passionate write, striving for a better world starts within...

I love the conviction and, dare I say it, compassion, with which you write about all of us ordinary drifters stumbling and crumbling, some of us aware, others not even knowing what we are missing as we saddle ourselves with the inconsistencies... but don't you see that you do reach through the barrier because you see it there and, more importantly, you choose to value all that remains hidden behind life's veil. a classic Judesque write much enjoyed tonight, Dawn

So very powerful, raw and real poetry so excellently expressed,

Reindeer

Jude,

My day has been made brighter through your thought provoking words, thank you. Well done!

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

"This is the way my world stumbles
This is the way our world crumbles"

I agree, there lays the crux of this poem. What I know is that every time I read you, I feel a little richer.

Carmen :-)

This takes me back to Ne Plus Ultra and my thoughts there, somehow. Prophets are not lawyers; theirs is not to convince. They receive enlightenment and vision and purely, fearlessly, hold these up as a mirror. They are not responsible for peeps' response, but have a different duty to discharge: that of proclamation. Biblically, guess I'm talkin about salt and light here - taken for granted, trodden underfoot, noticed little, perhaps, until, by their absence, the masses stop, blink and try to figure out whassup. In our western cultures, we have driven ourselves mad, literally, with the pursuit of a phantom physical perfection; the "have it all" society - not understanding the value of the unique and "less than perfect" or even, the seriously flawed. Personally, I rather like being a cracked pot! Make of that what you will. You KNOW you speak to those with ears to hear; that is, perhaps, your job. Like I have said somewhere else, if the response of those who are blind, deaf and dumb is to blank it out and you take your lead from them, the world would be plunged into an irreconcilable darkness. Speaking (procrastinatin) probably from where the sun don't shine meself, but think you get my drift of generalities here. Buck up, Bronxo, and get rid of them damn saddles! It's not you that's stumblin... it's those who are using a square wheel instead of a round one. And others are busy trying to reinvent it whilst ignoring the basic blueprint. Keep being a watchman on the walls, ignore the ignorance of those still playing dice down in the camp below. It may be slow, but reckon the wheels are turning more than you think behind those perfectly made-up faces... reckon I've just about outdone myself today... wonder why??!! :)) All to be taken with a large pinch of salt, but of course! LOL Kwiet Kate xx

"This is the way my world stumbles
This is the way our world crumbles
" < < <here lies the heart of this poem. I like how you show us the world so closely, starting from self explorations...A brilliant work.

Calvin and Hobbes

Jude
I always enjoy the journey you take me on. I am taken into your soul- where your words paint a sensitivity with your imagination.
As always, it is much enjoyed...
Antoinette

A masterful and thought provoking piece Jude...

peace and love...Carole

It's just rant & rave at that podium
They never say anything from their hearts
So, they can surely never know our hearts
Congrads on your book......

Ah yes, Jude. If only we could break through the barriers, whether placed there by them or by circumstances. You are a better man for wishing we could do so.

Peace. Joyce

Yes Jude I believe you would surely try and like the great phrophets sages, seers, civil rights activists, and leaders you would pay the ulitmate price and I would be willing to stand at your side. That being said this write expresses the feelings of you heart and soul and the world needs the poets to shed the light as you do.

Felix

some people are open books, others you need a dictionary to understand what's written on their face. Good face searching poem.

For I search for a viable expression of freedom

But find only diatribes within spheres of unconcern



Although it seems almost impossible at times, we must all keep searching.

It is much easier to go with the flow than to work for what is right. The masses move along with the rest and only the insightful, who are often referred to as "dreamers" understand that there is much more to be had in life. Change is never easy and many of us have learned that most others don't want to hear what we have to say. With knowledge comes the responsibility for change and it seems that the world isn't ready for that difficult job. Change will come, but I doubt if it will be the one that the enlightened are hoping for. Excellent pen, Jude!!
Take care,
Sherry

Well-said and well-penned. Good one Robert!

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

Robert,
A better man strives to become just that. With the first things in place, One's heart, then the open mind, followed gently by the wisdom of mankind and spirit.
Jealousy is the demon of the worst in man, and to try and pacify it, would be like trying to lasso the world. We learn to pick our battles, and let the rest sort of, stroll on by.
I like it when you write from the heart. Great work!

Lisa

well said

If I could only reach through the barrier
That so many have placed themselves within

If I could only topple the podium
That so many have perched themselves upon

Bloody blimey how right and fitting is that.
I'm learning to not bother with the likes.
Takes up so much time and wasted effort.

One man or woman's vision and will to change things can change the face of this world and wake up this heart that looks but never sees life's traversity.

A deeply soulful and provocative write.

This is a world stumbling over faceless hearts. Excellent poem

Excellent...and most insightful!!

Love Tinka

I think I know that saddle. Great work.

A sad commentary on those of the human species who have never progressed to the self love that would enable them to reach out to others.It is usually people with poor self-esteem who can't bridge the gap in society, so they make it difficult for everyone else. Thought provoking poem Jude!

Eileen

"If I could only reach through the barrier That so many have placed themselves within" You certainly reach through to us, the ones who love what you have to say. But it is astounding to me, the number of people out there who communicate only about themselves, their world. Those people never ask about another person. It used to make me mad. Now, I listen because they need it so much. Fantastic poem, Jude.

Each one reach one.
blessin's for sharing this life raft of words,
cynth'ya

The podium has the devil's red eyes turned to the green-eyed monster. Say a nun we know stands behind her podium and plays 26 glass Mason jar harmonicas filled with spring water. (Mozart wrote for glass harmonica, but most don't know it). She runs her fingers around them to make the sound. The devil jealously rips, "You wrinkled old nun, you need fine Austrian crystal glasses to steal the show away from me. Those canning jars won't play a tune with those thick rims. "TO HELL WITH YOU!" she blasphemes. She topples the podium that he is perched. She's got heart, baby and a habit to match.

Sage