I am reading this poem over and over and getting too deep into my analysis. "It would force you to listen To things you feel best avoided" Some of us have already heard those things and chosen to go in a different direction. But, you're ideas do not cause me to hate you. On the contrary, I love you more. Terrific write, Jude.

Deep pools of wonderment here.

How right you are, it's the way it so often goes. Wonderful done,
B&R

From someone who is perceived as a bridge-builder and peacemaker, this is a very unsettling and confrontational write. On the other hand, TRUE peace can only be established on the truth and where we are blind to our own darkness it needs others' more righteous perceptions to shine the light of disclosure so that real relationship might prevail. The disinterest of apathy person-to-person is utterly soul-destroying, whereas, paradoxically, where strong feelings exist there is always hope because it shows that one way or another there is recognition of some level of interaction. Your strong voice here can only come in this form where there is personal certainty of being on the higher ground of clarity and reason. Very bold couplets, Jude, which accentuate the directness of your argument. You do not shy away from the issues that you feel need to be addressed and have no problem with "false humility" in estimating the effects you might have on the subject of this write and which might have precipitated their desire to exercise control over you in the first place... about as feasible as putting a restraining hand over the top of Vesuvius, it would seem! Can relate to this BIG TIME as I have felt the cords of control round my throat all my life... but that is probably MY problem rather than the intentions, often, of others. And guess, yes, often we love those best who know us at our worst... in a perverse kinda way, perhaps it makes us feel "safe" from ourselves; gives us boundaries to push against and someone else to blame for our irrational behaviour. A complex and thorny issue laid bare and with no beating about the bushes. Yet, even so, there is a reasoned understanding and "compassion" to this... Knowing you to be a gentle soul, I think... how can there not be? Perhaps cruel to be kind... TY Kate xx

strong sentiment

Tough minded from a usually soft one.

Ron

Interesting. They hate you and love you for the exact same reason. Because you know exactly who and what they are. And apparently that scares the hell out of them. I guess by you seeing right through them, it would mean *you* have control over them. I could see that as being scary to a control freak. ~ Sara

Intriging write! Can't imagine anyone avoiding you :-)

Your poem speaks volumes...one I can relate too!!

Life is a bitch bigtime!!

Thanks for sharing Jude!!

Love Tinka

Close to home, Jude. But I think we all have pretenses/defenses. Just a matter of degree. Some of us cling to them for fear of drowning. Ironic that we are left to flail in the water alone because of them! Breaking down those defenses only serves, as you say, to make our loved ones avoid us. Family members, you just have to bite down and bear it. When it comes to a lover, it's usually a battle you can't win. This rings clear as the proverbial bell. Can you pencil me in for Friday, 10 am?

Sometimes overly keen perceptions can hurt us, because they seek for perfection. Having said that, control freaks are insecure people who have an inferiority complex, that in order to feel superior they must manipulate and control. When you become involved with such, if it doesn't improve, then it is best to do what Tiana says...run!;-)

Excellent perceptive write!

Do I love it or do I hate it? That is the question. :) It all turns so easily. An excellent capture, Jude.

Oh I hate those insidious invisible tentacles that slowly wrap around our innocence and try to entrap our psyche with the manna of mental methane.

Perhaps tying her down and making her listen to Longfellow for 24 hours straight would change this destestable mindset!

Stand Strong!
Richard

Yeah me too Andy... I thought I had it all sown up nice and neat :)

Kewl write Jude
Ch'erie

It is a very thin line between love and hate, isn't it? We each wish to believe that our way of thinking is the right way and when we butt heads with someone who means a lot to us we either learn the fine art of compromise or we are forced to move on. People who know us so well keep us grounded but they also can be an annoyance for the very same reasons. Nice work, Jude.
Take care,
Sherry

Yes, indeed, people are so very shallow, thinking that only they have any kind of insight. Well done, sir.

Whoa! Your poetry here is one of solid conviction. Terrific.
Susan

Hate and love are trasparent in this write.

Jude
Some people are just too clever...
And you have seen through the pretense..
It is just but a Drama !!!
Peter

Darn, am I really this transparent....