reasonable enough, poet.
well said, as always.
carolyn

Okay, I won't. I'll just soothe you with pablum poems.

Ron

Understanding is at the heart of compassion Jude. Life, this role we play for keeps challenges relationships to the very brink of our mortality. You share the honesty every good man realizes after he understands the pain of loss. I bid you love and peace my dear friend. Jon Michael

so human and so real-i like it!

As always a delight to read your work.
Peace
Tony

LOL Eileen! :)) Defences down, telling it like it is: that's the "sooth" (s'truth) of what you've written here. You move us utterly with this, darlin Kartero, and our will for your well-being rises to the fore. Who needs either comment, compliment or criticism when all you're aching for is touch and the efficacy of connectivity? And THAT'S really what we're all here for.

And your imagery is uncanny; I had just taken again a look at the back page of my PURBECK! magazine (before I read this poem for the first time) as the photo of Shell Bay has always unsettled me, being "night sky" that "is both ominous as well as breath-taking". And that's the beauty of connection, isn't it? You can't engineer, fabricate or falsify it: it just IS. And quite simply, it's just beyond belief.

I am fascinated, too, by your use of language. Presence doesn't have to be physical, material or actual as it is neurologically discerned. Hence, back to my original point: be soothed, Jude, as, both many and one, we stretch out our hands, reach for the words, to heal. Through every sense and sensory perceptor, feel it. Love always, Kate xx

"i’m already aware of my inadequacies" yes indeed, it's a struggle I have with the Troglodytes as well. "aching for relief" seems universal these days. tender spirit in this.
peace to you ... r

..all souls are in need of compassion
and not just now and then;
you understand pain, Jude, and that's
the real difference.

John

You haven't lost your magic touch,Jude! A brilliant very touching poem,and I'm sure your neurons got relief,for who could refuse you anything;-)!

Eileen

looks like a full meal, just waiting on desert :)

What a brilliant poem, so multi-layered and humble!
Blessings,
Christine

this is cool...really cool.

cheers,
dan

You do a great job of painting the scene, Jude, and it's almost as if I can hear the conversation...

Chip Bergeron

What strikes me here is the blend of intellectual possibilities and affective longing. The last line is particularly expressive in this respect. There is something very moving in this piece, Jude, and I feel that it touches something within me.

Axilea

Hey Jude,
This poem epitomizes the reason that we all should live in the moment and make choices to live a healthy lifestyle.
To be viewed without judgement or ridicule is to be free from pain and worry. We live in our own prisons, our mind keeps us a prisoner of our thinking. When we begin to release those neurons that keep us trapped in a lifestyle that does not work any longer, we become clearer as to what our choices should be. To change our lives, it takes one choice, then it's up to us to change the way we think to be able to find that enlightened path toward freedom and happiness.
We live for others, but there comes a time when one must live for oneself finding true inner peace and happines, in order to bring happiness and joy to others that touch our lives. The empty pot needs to be replenished...find beauty and peace and jump on a train, plane or automobile and soothe those neurons that are aching for relief.

I always enjoy reading your wonderful poetry, and if you are not an enlightened one, then, we are all in trouble here....lol

Much peace, light, and love,
Amber

Every time I read a new poem by you I say this is my favorite then you go and write another and it's my favorite. I salute your talent Jude.

Hey Jude~ Loved it! You brought me back to a poem I wrote, back on 07
"The Preemptive Metaphor of My Soul"...dang neurons! LOL!
The food in this "diner" is outstanding!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~

sometimes you need to digest it all. a moment of peace. ~ Morgan

when we spend too much time in our heads, it tends to get like this. you just want to have someone there to yank you back into the world, back into the moment....breathe and smell the roses. good poem man!!

A wonderful poem Dear Jude, a plea to accept each other, as we are, as it is... offering oneness despite our idiosyncrasies. Soothed by the very essence of being together in the moment, totally present… that’s the true gift…breathing in the now, without judgment.. appreciating honest friendship… Love the honesty of this xox :-D

Don't know what I can do to soothe you, unless you are into guys...;-)

When my neurons ache, I get high...e

It is much that you ask for, Jude; to know you and accept you as you are and still be there to soothe you from your own inflictions. I think to completely understand another person or even our self is impossible and to accpet without judgement, a tall order. Sometimes the best we can offer is quiet companionship and empathy for the weariness. Nicely woven offering, Jude. I was caught in its web from the first to the last line.
Take care,
Sherry