I agree with you. I'd rather not know unless they want to be more open. Too much trouble comes from second guessing others for me at least. Profound observation. Great write. LIz

An astute observation of different ways of people, Jude. Excellent.

Peace. Joyce

Thought provoking my friend, it's according to what is going on in my world if I wont to know, usually I do. I am one that does speak my mind, if it something that I am passionate about. I have learned over the years, somethings are better just left unsaid! In this case I don't even give a hint, it is easier to achieve harmony this way! A very poignant write indeed! Makes one take a long look at themselves!
Blessings,
Joyce B.

Honesty and candidness is always essential to understanding and with some people we would rather not know!! Enjoyed the wisdom in this write Jude.

Expectations get confused with wishful thinking. Close but not the same. Life can get confusing enough with out being unsure of intents of someone close to me which is all I really worry about. It's a very thought provoking write for me because what is different in my world is having online support groups for years back a while and being able to teach others online how to ask for clarifications when something didn't come across the internet in the correct intention. Someone would be making a joke and forget to put the signal ...lol...and another would be insulted. Life skills, where reading some other work the amazing wishful thinking kicks in. Good little write. Lady J

I suppose every human being has expectations of those whom they are close to. It boils down to needs. If I tell someone I need something, and they give it to me only because I asked, will I feel guilty that they're doing something to please me, rather than because they want to do that thing?

There's just so many varibles in life that sometimes expression of one's thoughts does lose clarity and becomes insinuation.

Glad you're all for plain speaking, Senor... you better get them gloves off that appear in your biog pic in that case, then! :))

Ahhh... life is just soooooo complex. There are open books and there are carapi (carapaces??) There are those who can talk the hind leg off a donkey (!!) on page and yet are so breathtakingly succinct and crystal when it comes to articulation of outspoken thoughts. It is a life fraught with danger, firstly to write, second to read. Even more so to seek to interpret. I live dangerously on all counts, and ESPECIALLY in the realms of seeking to offer an interpretation. I am pretty useless at any sort of card game as, firstly I have little chest to keep them close to, and secondly, the faces of my hands are just always fully reflected on the face of my face (yep, still in Lewis Carroll mode...) Some peeps want you to know their game-plan... others are anxious to keep it watertight. The painful place is with those whose paperchase sends out mixed messages, intimating that actually, they DO want to get their point across, however complex and covert it might be. It's the thrill of the hunt, the time and the attention, I guess...

We appreciate your pains here, Jude, to tell us what you'd rather not know. A good male ending to this poem that seems quite feminine in its psychology. Just goes to show that game-playing is a complete and utter waste of everyone's time, at least across the sexes. But I guess some thrive on it.

And, in case anyone is in any doubt or two minds about this review, it is, of course, entirely facetious, serving to prove it's not only what you say but the way in which you say it and with what words that gets confusing...

Now, do I press delete or does this stay?? Naaaahhh... if you'd rather not know all this YOU can press the delete button yourself!

You have such a way with words, Kartero. LOL K xx

yeah I'm not sure I want to know either
Much ponderance in a few words.

In each's realm, creative intervention, laying our cards on the table honestly, without a neocheater (poker term) with an ace tucked up dishonesty's sleeve, means having the guts to establish the bonds of trust, freedom of speech, expressed plainly and boldly, and our willingness to do so is the spirit that allows us to express our own beliefs and values and the daring to include others whose beliefs are different...Expectations, we can move mountains by risking to speak up in our inner landscape. To do this, we might better well change our perspective into a positive, constructive, and supportive frame of mind that can salvage any given situation...In the end, this approach to a "full house" is established by bonds of trust and loyalty to be cherished in the final game...Sage Sweetwater says "Ante up!" Jude, you be the dealer...everybody loves a winner!

Sage

I am very outspoken....when it comes to poetry...but when I have to do it in real life...I am a dark horse.....does not say what I feel...rather lock it away where no one can see my pain...nor my yearning heart!!

But I must admit...I am a sucker when it comes to reading others work....90% I feel like it was written for or about me.... :) !!

Love Tinka

So true. . .especially of we women? Speaking for myself, it is tempting to want my mind to be read. You know, "If you really loved me, you would k n o w." In my defense -- and my sisters' --, I think it is partly because our sex is more apt at reading minds. [Y'think?]
Love the understated humor implied at the end.:)
Thanks for this thought-provoking and entertaining look into the mind of the talented, smart, and tantalizingly unique Jude Forese. [Wish I could add the accent. Great name, by the way!] 'Pea' <3

Excellent write, Jude. I believe in putting my cards out on the table, especially at this time in my life. Life is too short to waste. Expectations is perfection.

~hugs~
Karen

Jude,

Another excellent thought provoker you pen: say what you mean and mean what you say. Well done!

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

It's exactly what I've been thinking about for many months now, regarding numerous people in my life. Although, in my own case, I would rather know than be sitting in suspense all the time. I appreciate this piece. Abigail

Perhaps it is another way that people protect themselves, Jude. People being cryptic so that they don't have to show their weakness and strength, lest they be judged. There comes a point when all that "avoiding saying what we mean" becomes an annoyance and others lose interest in trying to crack the code to their feelings. Perhaps that was the reaction that they wanted in the beginning; if they never allow another to love them, perhaps they feel that they will never be hurt. The reality is that they will never know joy. Thought provoking poetry, Jude.
Take care,
Sherry

Inuendos, a wink, a subtle word...and a chrystal ball to find what the people want for us.
Maybe we have somewhere a sign saying "I can read your mind"
Georg

Jude,

I agree, always say what's on your mind and tell it like it is. Why waste energy that can better serve us elsewheres. Blessings Always My Friend, Paul.

LOL, yup it's the ancient ole thing, never try to work out the way a womans mind works. Blokes we just come out with it, unless they're so scrummy, then the mouth forgets what it's for...

You chase them till they catch you....

Enjoyed this one! I like it best when people say what they mean and mean what they say. Much easier that way.

Be safe,
Karen

I think to keep someone guessing occasionally is OK
But not to much, but I believe it works batter if your honesty
And to the point.
Outstanding message within this poem!!
Love And Peace to you always
Your friend...Morning Star

to the point honesty seems to work best--to much room for guessing otherwise-i enjoyed the write

As always,great write...Hugsss

A little game playing is fine, but not incessantly, as it sours rather quickly and you end up getting the PIP :)
Or rather being like him ( Dickens) Great Expectations...

You dunnit again m8 haha.
Ch'erie

jude, Loved this 100%, indeed.. ended to perfection, i could quote the whole poem as a specrum of understanding, defining the mystery of poetry wonderfully! keep that talent flowing... mike

You never disappoint.

Elizabeth

For some odd reason, my wife thinks I can read her mind.
She lost her cards years ago..
thanks for sharing Robert..

Just great, Jude! Great expectations anticipated through inferring/implying; all lack level communications. Thought provoking without dancing around the subject.

George

Me neither...;) (LC doesn't use chemicals but I do.................e)

What a great intropective look at the complexities of human interaction. Your honesty is refreshing.

Brett

As always Jude your grasp of human behavior is marvellous as you look at the problem, draw your conclusions and defy others not to agree. Well done my friend.

Fee

Great job Jude. Intense and thought provoking.
Hugs,
Marcia

It takes sharp eyes or thick glasses to read between the lines..., Excellent work, Jude,
Love, R&B

I would rather not know as well. In fact, I'd rather move to a desert island with only a goat as a companion, than to know. Great write!

Brilliant! Brilllllyant :O) Nicky x

Oh this rings bells it is true how many times I am caught trying to descern and not meeting their expectations. i would rather not either JUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peace,
Josie