wow...someone just got a kick in the butt...I hope it is fiction...awesome poetry Robert!

... faux or faux pas?! You're a master when it comes to the dextrous use of language in terms of incisive wit and double-edged sarcasm (in its proper sense) and yet STILL your balanced politeness and grace prevents the tone of this from becoming too caustic and rude. That "darling" song of the barrel organ which goes round and round and round in its mindless way is a strong metaphor when you think how its "sweetness" of song might be intended to become more persuasive the more it repeats: (mis)lead away! We all, perhaps, have "a right" to our own delusions if that's what makes us happy, but, once they affect others adversely, they become certainly "not correct" - I love that play on words and meaning in your two last lines. I've just come from Sherry's Wizard of Oz Halloween take, and so my mind is still on that track, too: The Wizard was fake but Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow were all lost in negative delusions about their weakness until Miss Ruby Slippers put them right! This is a good wake-up call, Kartero, which might cause us all to consider how our powers of affect can bring about effects that perhaps we may not even be aware of, be they positive or negative. Potent stuff! xx

POWERFUL POEM!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

"Affect" and "Shred" seem to be very complementary poems. Both draw attention to a world of ignorance and manipulation where façade is all.

Axilea

..wow, this is great Jude!

in the distant past of my youth it was accepted that it was impossible to think a thought that had not already been thought -- "affect" is reaffirmation of that premise jude -- affectation is now an art form with the "I" people run amok -- -- and humility, an arcane concept seldom in practice -- you have scribed another thought provoker jude -- I bid you joy, love and peace my dear friend -- Jon Michael

first off, remind me never to get on your bad side ;) intrigued by this, love the visual composition and totally in love with "lead away!" straight through "stranded way above your delusional bottom." with humility in the presence of such potent poetry, Dawn

Pompous asses always disgust me. I cannot even begin to wrap my brain around how they have come to the conclusion that they are so wonderful. Good rant, Jude.
Take care,
Sherry

Ego and maniacs tend to combine in some to unwittingly beleive they are perfect when in fact they fall far shore. Good write my friend.
fee

run like hell from tedious people described herein!
carolyn

...always thought you were the best, but if you say I am, then so be it...

The main change, is that no leader ever admits they're wrong. Any sign of being human and they fear from the diatribes that the media could bring. Yet how they underestimate the peoples.
Paradoxically, spot on about the hard wired gullible!
The semi-parody I read here is just as it is. Quality write.

So deeply dark and so very true...Sometimes human beings do disappoint us. Where is this world headed for (not a question)....

You have been very verbal these past few days, it's a good thing..
Stay warm and dry and have a wonderful Halloween evening, boo....

Peace, light and love,
Amber

You are so right. There's nothing new under the sun. In today's multitasking world, regurgitation is rampant and an original thought is almost nonexistent. With some of our finer drugs, young people revel in mindless repetition of a single phrase as though it were some great poetic offering. I'm probably as guilty as the rest.

Ron

cynical and cathartic ... your poetic laser focused once again on deeper layers of humanity. I agree with John - "on fire"... continued inspiration poet ... richard

Good one, jude. I guess we all know people like this.

Quite powerful, and I can't help but think of many of our so called 'leaders' today when I read your words.

i've just seen the monkey dodge under the cart
out of sight.
You're on fire these days, Jude.

John

hmmm... this could easily have been called "defect" and it would be true in both senses of the word... speaking of true, this poem is as true as a good lie (in golfer's parlance). Delicious bit of irony to close this crisp little critter of a mock tribute. Seems like it could apply to many recycled old bands. Caustic sheers leave them all on the cutting room floor. Why retire when you can recycle retreads?