interestingly versed poet, unwinded like true verse should

Terrific writing, Jude. For me, you capture that sense of fate and irony that life constantly offers. It's as though it laughs at us regularly. One to read many times. I feel like I'd see something new each time. Hugs,
Sheila

"caught between the devil and the deep blue sea" comes to mind from your stunning visual; or "between a rock and a hard place". Inner and outer turmoils prevail. A probing heart/mind is also necessarily an honest and open heart/mind, I think. Like it or not, if we're thoroughly honest with ourselves, those Voices which we have learned to trust and gravitate towards can hit a few bum notes now and again; and, conversely, those whose tunes we resist singing along with can sometimes soothe our souls with the sweetest of real and true harmonies. A frustrating reality, since we can't therefore sincerely make life easy for ourselves by habitually "allowing" the one-type access to our deepest minds and inner places, while also constantly "filtering out" the other. To me, this is a "psychic umbrella"-write, the intention of and inspiration for which is centred on your final four lines, which are brilliant. Good and bad is perhaps, at times, to be found in both "types" of voices which jostle for our affections and attentions: such duallism is in opposition to how we might wish it, but nonetheless it's probably true. xx

Such clarity of mind travel - The Silver Cord - when the physical body leaves and the astral body wavers in levitation gradually rising in ethereal travel...opposition is counterbalanced by aeromancy, divining by the clouds...we hope our heart will ease as we ascend and reveal to us our true purpose...the photo is distinctly dizzying, heaven's cloth over our heads intended that way so we are aware of a halo effect of our destination when we engage in astral travel and astral projection...I can even see The Silver Cord sandwiched in between earth and ether...amazing capture, Jude...the telepathic Light and dark in balance, as is above what is below...hear what ye will...

Love,
Sage

I've read this poem several times over the course of a couple days. It draws me back as if there is a part of me that is curious to know what lies on the other side. The psychology of this poem intrigues me - that is, the notions of intention and thought and the relationship they hold to imagination. That grand imagination - where all things must first be conceived before they can materialize seems to be one of our most misunderstood attributes. I also am taken by your presentation of cause and effect. I particularly like the 5th couplet and how it relates to the one preceding.

Opposition the whole premise of creation, masterfully captured here.

Jude,
Finely and beautifully balanced in thought, expression and actual couplet form, what arises from what, contrasting, testing, unintentional...I love where you go with this and I travel well with you. A special thanks for the larger font, makes the script easier for failing eyes.

John

It is not about what happens to us, it is about how we respond to what happens to us, that creates character. Our beliefs are often swayed by what we hear and/or by those we admire, even if they really don't deserve our admiration. Often it is only in retrospect that we realize that we should have listened to our heart if we wanted the truth. Your photo is wonderfully haunting as is this poem. Kudos, Jude.
Take care,
Sherry

Good HEAVENS, that is a SLC if ever I saw one! Looks like one of our StormSkies. And this write - undone by its power, its deep thought provoking lines - your best, Jude, out of many - well done.

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

Love the photo--fits the poem well. The poem, on the other hand, reminds me of the good folks [my own mother, sister, and brother] so easily swayed by the fear mongering going on in the political arena--more like the 19th than the 21st Century, acutely captured by your sensibility.

Ron

An incredible poem, Jude it taunts the mind to be answered...

Carole~

beautiful, deep, and thought provoking-my kind of poetry!!

Very imaginative...the title, the photo, your extremely well-thought-out poem. Opposition...It is as if I was reading a modern version of "...Greeks bearing gifts". Excellent work on this, Jude!!
Blessings and Love - Micke

Yeah, there are many forces at work in this world,
and much that can infiltrate our processes and change us,
and we are only as capable as the love in us compells us to be.

I think, for me, that aging has allowed me to see life
and my place in it in a much more absolved light. We really are just grains of sand
on a very vast beach and subject to the whims of the tides.
It's a gift and a blessing to have this outlet of expression.

A verbal picture of lifes mysteries. Great write.

Loved the picture, to.

Cheers,
Dan

...makes me think we can seek good in bad,,maybe,,it changed us for the better or we learned..etc....this is a poem of life really....great write Jude.
Christine

I like the balance of satanic and agelic in this write Jude and how you captured the essence of uncertainty in anything new that shows up at our proverbial doorstep...well done.
fee

Opposition...angels chorus at Armageddon? nothing can get more opposite than that, although as always, you have something else up your literary sleeve, when you disclose about benign dreams being just nightmares of inadequacy.
Well done!

Georg

Jude, your photo compliments your work, perfectly, and I love how this conveys both darkness and light. This is a "keeper."

I agree with Jerry on this. This is an incredible piece of work. As good as poetry gets. Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wow thats quite a horrendous cloud formation hanging there...balanced expression of sometimes its one way and sometimes another :)

i love the perfect photo of equal opposing forces of sky and water with atmosphere in between to solidify your splendid poem....
a compelling variety of light and dark, kind of exchanging roles to convey the theme...another jude original;-)...

Jude, Sometimes things are as they appear, not larger, nor smaller, but actually as they are for real. Accepting gifts from the Universe is allowed, no matter what. Rejection is only a figment of the imagination, no one should feel less than another, nor inadequate in the eyes of another. There are many wonderful opportunities awaiting everyone, all they must do is to open their eyes to really see and reach out for that gift from the Universe. Never questioning nor feeling inhibited, but open and free to new possibilities. This poem really is an amazing piece of work. You really have outdone yourself, and you have captured my attention with this one.
I wish for you, peace, and all the love you deserve.

hugs and healing energy to you,
Amber "V"

I aspire to write like you.

One of the best pieces of poetry I believe I have ever read from you, Jude. It just struck me in the right way, right where I live and caused me to wish I had written it. That really doesn't happen very often. I shall save this.