illusions scatter truth and disperse reason with great dispatch -- let me seek the wisdom of the "sparkling softness above", and endure to hold it with preservation's might -- very philosophical rendering Jude --- thought provoking, which I am most appreciative of -- much peace and love my friend -- JMW

Outstanding and Profound
Peace be with you

William

It seems to me that you are connected to some powerful entities. I mean that with deep respect, Jude. Love and peace to you,

Regis

Great images in this haunting poem. The undercurrents and mysteries of life and death speak .........M

ever embracing the mystery...
a fine write, jude.
be well,
carolyn

Yes, the softness matters most to the hardness. Oops, that sounds a little vulgar. Well, I'll leave it at that. It is what came into my head upon reading your poem, Jude. ~ Sara

This seems to echo, for me, a little of the atmosphere and presence of River Of Ghostly Voices. Actually, putting them together, it would be, perhaps, just that frozen surface in between that separates them. Very dreamlike, almost like sleepwalking, but I find it quite warm and womby inspite of the eerie narrative. I love the juxtapose of heat and cold... the nature of stars being warm, the moon (in this instance) cold. AND a bit of an adventure: journeying below to discover, perhaps, what IS above? Full of dichotomies and counter-tensions.

like a colossal choral orchestra of forgotten gods,
dreams played and died
to the melody of being and becoming
and homeward tales of light and darkness

... this seems to be core, and a beautiful synopsis of the storyline as well a wonderful picture of stars and all that they are and do. Much merging in this poem, albeit with that hardened surface in between - like a mirror: if you can get to see what really lies behind the mirror's reflective sheen, then it matters not whether what lies in front is portrayed as being warm or cool.

As usual, getting totally carried away, so that's enough blah from me! :)) xx

Excellent haunting piece!!

Love Tinka

Great piece, definitely haunting...
'taken by the current underneath its hardened surface,
wondering if the sparkling softness above mattered at all'
I wonder also...

Very alluring atmosphere, I also wonder what matters above.

Axilea

Jude your mystical forays into your mind are always a treat to take. Loved this one especially for the water to me always seems to be calling us to it...

fee

oh very gothic.....I am chilled and...........delighted!! pax A

Well there's an unexpected twist of poetic fate. Of course what "really mattered" above the waves was the same thing that mattered below: the life seeking to affirm and reaffirm the music of the mystery of its individual cosmic rhymes and reasons.

A powerful pen and ink portrait from a powerful pen.

Aberjhani

My goodness Jude I hear the beat of a drum as I read this..along with the drum of my heart...WOW...SUPERB!
Christine

It was the aurora borealis that did it. As usual, a mysterious story leaving questions behind in the fading frosty vapor.

Ron

I always have to read your poetry a few times to really absorb your thoughts and visuals. This has such an eerie uncontrollable life force about it. It is almost like a dream/nightmare/awakening of discovering that nothing really matters and it can all be taken away at a moments breath, be it by choice or by misfortune.
Amazingly written as always, your poetry leaves me with empowerment.
Peace, love, and light,

Amber "V"

This is a very serious piece. The last two lines leave me with a frightening vision. Am I reading it incorrectly, or is someone committing suicide?

This is just too enchanting, haunting, and beautiful!!!

Sandie Angel :o)

The connotations of "...a colossal orchestra of forgotten gods, and where dreams play and die..." leaves the man confused, because he was lured to be there by a mystic presence.
The author transport us to that metaphysical world of his. Well done!

Georg

Jude,
I love the imagery in this poem. Haunting. I also like the feeling of something more at work in the scheme of things - how he's drawn to this lake by a presence. Excellent work:)
Sheila

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

Good thinkers write...ed

A beautiful and well written poem,I enjoy reading it,take care

Edwin

I like the "feel" of this...and I especially like your closing lines.

your present appearance, fits well with this poem- reflecting so many images, both real and imagined,ethereal, sad,hopeful...a beautiful piece of work to dwell upon...

i felt a duality here...the haunting sense of the lake pulling and beckoning him, as he falls in he experiences that mysterious bliss of everything and knows nothing above matters

The master poet speaks again. What above that life's journey to the ultimate realization does matter? I wonder too Jude.

"like a colossal choral orchestra of forgotten gods
dreams play and die"

pure genius!
Write On!
Marcia