Wise words. We are born alone [except me--a twin] and die alone. I count on one had the lifelong friends who will go to bat for me.

Ron

If teachers used poetry such as yours when in classrooms, we would have many more young people in love with verse. Perhaps they would even attempt to write their own. I write genre fiction, but reading and attempting to write poetry improves my word usage, my creativity, well, improves everything. If I ever learn to use words as you do, look for me on a bestsellers' list. Lovely work.

Jude I want to thank you for sharing these words with us, for not too many stop and ask, who would I or who could I trust my life with , then you realize the difference in authentic and counterfeit. Thnak you.

Newfie Hugs, Rose

life does teach us a thing or two...

exceptional work Jude...


Art Sun...

Wow! great last 2 lines and good write throughout. moody too.

Jude,

You write poetry like a sword brandished with intention. Sometimes, it leaves scars. Other times, it frees an incarcerated truth. It's always beautiful to watch.

B

The world is filled with both real and counterfeit...those whom care from the heart and those who only portray what they want others to think about them, or to get what they think they deserve. I have encountered both and probably will for as long as time lasts...all a part of the human race! I do enjoy those people who are real, and true to the end though they are sometimes few and far between. Enjoyed this my friend!
Blessings,
Joyce B.

"the difference
Between the authentic from the counterfeit"

Sage

Jude this is such an great offering..so much said in the last two lines!!

"And how I’m surrounded by the aloneness of it all
And the wonder of nothing"

Exactly the place I am right now!!

LOve Tinka

Brilliant encapsulation of a state of being which many perhaps feel as we reach a certain age and stage in our terrestrial being, as well as temperamentally. Keeping the tension of flux, being here but not here. Definitely the profile of a Space Cadet, which many creative individuals have. Also definitely the mark of a strong leader and a visionary, whose path is necessarily interminably lonely and isolated. Personally, albeit gregarious and often in the hub whilst among people, it is in such instances that I feel incredibly alone. But it is in solitude that I expand and feel totally cossetted, nurtured and held, as if in a cosmic womb and never ever on my own; instead, it is at these times that I experience a great sense of companionship with elements that actually KNOW and affirm my sense of being. But your word "impossible", Jude? Are you sure about that? Improbable, maybe. But perhaps that "cha-ching" you can experience when coming across the authentic IS an electical impulse, a signal that the possibility of a bridge can be built between your two isolated shores which will carry your mutual weight and create new and diverse traffic to the benefit of both and add to the incremental augmentation of which you speak? The gift and activity of creativity is only that if it is a shared experience. It is not something that flourishes, I don't think, when left to feed and nurture only itself. Whatever... this is a fascinating mind-matrix whose axes are a delight to travel and another step for you into The Great Beyond with REM... also, perversely and inversely, reminds me of Andy Kaufman and Man On The Moon in that respect, too! Yeah, I know... you can alway rely on me to be Kontrary Kate xx

A very abstract work, written with thoughts that seem irreversible.
They all lead to the last two lines. Beautifully written, yet so sad.

Greetings,

Axilea

Jude, I know that sometimes it appears that our world is so untrustworthy, but you must believe that there are like minded people out there. Don't give up you will find people that can be trusted and will be instrumental in the enlightenment of our future. I am still searching but, I feel that you and I are on the same quest.
Much peace, love, and light to you my fellow light warrior,
Amber "V"

By charity, goodness, restraint, and self-control men and woman alike can store up a well-hidden treasure -- a treasure which cannot be given to others and which robbers cannot steal. A wise person should do good -- that is the treasure which will not leave one.

-"Khuddhaka Patha"

You are a wise man!
Love,
Susan

Got To Be Your Best Yet...

A D Has Becomes Wonder Of Tracking (Anything) Nothing...

TRASK

Deep insiteful writing...well stated.

Dan

This is very well stated, and I share some of the doubt(?) evident in your writing. But, it borders on the spiritual or religious side of my thought process, and for that, I have no answers to pass along. Wish I were smarter. - Bill

Powerful and exceedingly accurate brew...the closing four lines deliver a knock out punch. Panda :)

This is genius writing Jude.
Marcia

The God - Giver of Life gave us a brain and a heart hoping we would use them both to discern good from evil (authentic from counterfeit).

He gave us free will to be surrounded by nothing or everything. This is a truly powerful poem with great insight.
Kathy

People make the mistake of thinking the only normal way is you must have mates or friends etc,because their reltionship with Creator and knowing themselves, is not strong enough to sustain them. Mystics, Shamans,holy people, etc do not need what others do.If you can find contentment in yourself and your God,you have all you need,and can enjoy the "wonder" of nothing. Splendid poem!

Love,
ET

Wonderful writing dear man,enjoyed ..stay safe and well...Hugsssss

I think the modern self centered world almost forces an aloneness and a distrust for others upon us, whether we like it or not. And soon, technology has plans to make us all into isolated homebound creatures, relying on our computers to even grocery shop for us.

I think I prefer nature, where I can still wonder and marvel at everything.

Jude I think that may be a good starting point but not a good stopping point. If you yourself are authentic, then there must be others who are. In time your spirits will be drawn together. Thought provoking write as always.

Deeply thought provoking, honest write: well done, Jude.

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

Surrounded by the aloneness of it all and the wonder of nothing! So true. Do not doubt, my friend, the authentic shines when counterfeit denigrates! You have a discerning eye and a powerful pen to record what you see! Love this!
Love,
Ann

this is the sort of growing awareness I always wish I could stunt initially, because it is painful. still, I think you are definitely on the right track and way ahead of me as you can call it the "wonder" of nothing and not the bewildering cancer of nothing. there is something to be said for being able to discern between the authentic and counterfeit and there is always hope, Jude. maybe it only seems impossible to us now, here, in these present circumstances. Dawn

Very well done Jude, always your best effort put forth in each write.

Fee

the last two lines are my favorite as they reveal the emotions so very well-a well written work-honest and soulful

The closer I know the difference
between the authentic from the counterfeit...
I like these lines in particulair, because many can never distinguish between the two... discernment needed. Good write, Holly

Wonderful truth's of search & augmentation <> Thus a wondrous life * TedSo

The philosopher are knocking at the poest's door or it is the other way around?
If we believe and have a lot of faith then...Nothing IS Sacred.
A nice one.
Georg

A poignant--and almost bitter--write. I agree with your poem completely. It is hard to find others whom you can trust, for tomorrow they may turn your words against you. I've had that happen to me so many times. Wish I knew the answer.

Very touching piece Jude. I can identify with you on the self doubt especially in an insane environment. I am blessed however, to know a few whom I can trust.PLB&G for caring and sharing. <Mikii>

Self doubt, yet a longing to be one with the Creator. The willingness to trust others, yet question their motives. Enjoy the beauty of honesty when it is the soul speaking....

Be safe,
Karen