A Long Dance (Book) - 12/27/2022 4:49:42 PM
A book of poetry written by a poet who writes from his soul. Poetry that will move the emotions and challenge the mind.
Echo Rhyme Treason (Book) - 3/3/2020 9:41:04 AM
Congrats on your new book of poetry.
Ron
Long Highway Dancing (Book) - 11/22/2019 9:10:47 AM
A perfect title for an intriguing book that takes us back in time to a different generation. A generation where hitchhiking across country or anywhere was quite the norm. I'm old enough to remember how frequently my mother would stop to pick up hitchhikers as we traveled. It was not unusual and it was, then, considered safe, unlike today unfortunately. 'Long Highway Dancing' is a memoir of the author's travels and the interesting people he met and friends he made. Jude Aher provides the reader with the insight into this "world." His lyrics/poetry mixed throughout the book is deep, thoughtful and thought-provoking, such as the line..."it's the warmth of your dreams that gives to the air its oxygen." This book is full of nuggets to be discovered and does not let the reader down. There is ample discussion about earth, sun and nature but also includes by stark contrast, war, and how they each relate to mankind while providing us with insight into mankind itself. The final chapter is a wonderful collection of poems; my favorite (if I had to pick) is titled 'Remember.' It is a sincere poem about the war and how the author feels. I loved the ending chapter and the book is worth checking out, if only for the poetry. If you are looking for a deep, self-reflecting book for an easy, "one-setting" read, 'Long Highway Dancing' is worth the while. A definite thumbs-up! I look forward to reading additional works by Jude Aher.
MEMORIES, SHADOWS AND DOORS (Viet Nam, Still?) (Short Story) - 8/1/2007 1:10:43 PM
Very impressive narrative piece. And powerful. Vietnam, like WWII, continues to break waves of the past upon beach of now and the rocks of the future. One day, I hope, mankind will put away such primitive things such as armies of destruction and weapons of offence and find other ways to solve difference - or maybe accept that difference is O.K. as long as we agree to leave one another alone (at least in interfering and negative ways) . Malcolm Watts
Like the USA would elect a Woman. (Article) - 2/26/2022 1:55:35 PM
Very pertinent lyrics — ‘For What It’s Worth’ . . . and that was in 2016, especially your last sentence, for there indeed is ‘the new McCarthy.’ I concur with your use of ‘devolution,’ Jude, because we are seeing it continue, starting February 25, 2022 across the pond from the USA, as well as here in America. If there is any hope, the letter ‘d’ needs to drop off that word ‘devolution.’ Not looking too good about that.
I find your writings to be prolific — poetry, plays, articles, stories. I like what you wrote: “..it's all about the art, not the recognition.” Your ‘art’ is in good hands. ~~ djl
Like the USA would elect a Woman. (Article) - 11/10/2016 6:39:03 AM
I feel your pain. Although we may be going a bit further back than that if Ed Phillips's assumptions are correct. Still, if you remember, the children of the 1950s sensed something different, resulting in the 1960s. I think all these elated people in the heartland will find that their big city buffoon has nothing but hot air to float on.
Ron
Like the USA would elect a Woman. (Article) - 11/9/2016 9:30:27 AM
"For What It's Worth".......yeah, I'm going to get me a five seven chevy!
Love ya!
Jane
Ramblings between a broken old man and a mad poet (Article) - 2/5/2016 8:26:47 AM
Thank you for laying out the truth of the situation. There but for an early awareness, frugal living with much more than average saving, and very good luck (along with some very bad luck) and good health (other than very disabling quadriplegia and its subsequent problems) I would find myself at the very bottom of society living off the government and whatever charity I could garner.
I have watched many successful, high wage earning individuals sink into poverty through health problems, poor personal fiscal responsibility, drugs and alcohol, and the loss of a job that can't be replaced. It is really sad to see what happens to them, sometimes of their own making. On the other hand, trickle down economics with 10,000 points of light seems to do nothing for them except for free medical care under Medicaid until they die.
Until this country realizes that it must take care of, "all of the people," the rich will get richer and the rest will get poorer until the revolution will occur. It's just a question whether it will happen and when.
Ron
i dream of colors (Poetry) - 10/19/2025 9:33:24 AM
You write of the last stage of life where the end may be a blessing. Because living in that stage can be a kind of confined living hell.
I'm not there yet. While quite confined, I can still break out once in a while and my health is remarkably good for my age and physical condition of quadriplegia.
Last night I had a vivid dream of something I never thought of before. Something my dreams are famous for. In this case, picking pristine ecosystems and guarding them with a death to any human who crosses their boundaries; Air Force pilots who land their planes on water to plant the devices; and a hedge against total destruction of the planet by human activity except for these seed pods of ecosystem that would spread throughout the planet after human's head destroyed ourselves.
Ron
windmills (Poetry) - 10/7/2025 8:23:37 AM
I am often wondering why so many in this country cannot see that the king has no clothes. They dream of an America that never was and allow this tyrant, this narcissistic fool, to run roughshod over principles of fairness and equality that the United States of America has always stood for.
There was a period recently with a fool for president. His name was Herbert Hoover. His actions led to the New Deal. All voters have to do is recognize they are in the wrong set of pews in the church of politics.
Ron
forever old (Poetry) - 9/12/2025 2:31:18 PM
Meaningful for many. But for me, I can't remember the last time I walked down a lonely wet nighttime street. It was a long time ago when I was young. Growing older means staying away from places like that. Staying warm and dry in the light of a room or rooms.
Good seeing you posting again.
Ron
the silence in-between (Poetry) - 8/3/2025 10:28:15 AM
Good to see you posting again.
We all have so little time, that time in between. We really shouldn't waste it because it's gone and we're not sure when it will be gone.
I prefer to just roll with the punches and keep on producing bits and pieces for the Internet to remember me. Google already knows me, by just my full name. My obituary will be far down the list.
Ron
any other name for trump is white (Poetry) - 3/29/2025 1:20:22 PM
You nailed it! In 100 words. You have given new meaning to parsimony.
dust bowl blues (Poetry) - 9/10/2024 11:05:22 AM
It is hard to wash our lives of all the dust covered lies that come cascading down on us every day.
Ron
mirror of lies (Poetry) - 5/22/2024 3:29:24 AM
Lovely,It made me want to dance where those echoes lie.
I have never written about echoes before but you have just inspired me to give it a try . Well done.
listen (Poetry) - 5/13/2024 11:11:47 AM
Reminds me of which mean do the sound of silence… (Paul Simon)
As we near the end of life, the universe is closing in on us and will certainly recycle all of our elements and compounds for the good of the future.
Ron
mirror of lies (Poetry) - 5/11/2024 7:43:30 AM
I'd rather be in the sunshine of the truth. A rather dark poem seated in the lies.
Ron
Black light bleeds (Poetry) - 9/4/2023 7:28:23 AM
Beautiful poetry, as always, Jude. I especially love that third verse.
Black light bleeds (Poetry) - 2/23/2023 9:55:08 AM
I can see a mind wandering through thoughts of night, wind and bleeding it all out.
Ron
mirror unseen (Poetry) - 1/31/2023 4:20:50 PM
I'm seeing the "deep side" of you, jude. Your words make a statement!
Love ya!
Jane
mirror unseen (Poetry) - 1/28/2023 10:55:52 AM
It appears you have a lot of time to reflect, but not to rhyme.
Ron
song of light (Poetry) - 12/12/2022 9:46:01 AM
Children are so vulnerable. And so many are lost. Yet they remain hopeful. Your poem reflects on the cost and the possibility.
It's good to see you posting again. I hope you weren't ill, just taking time off.
Ron
song of light (Poetry) - 12/12/2022 6:08:09 AM
The innocent children, they are truly lights in the darkness. Lovely poem, Jude.
if a song is sung (Poetry) - 9/17/2022 7:55:48 AM
Songs mean more to me now that I'm losing my hearing. And some singers come across better with their YouTube versions of old hits. I miss the rhythm of dance but still love to sing a number of old songs, badly, missing a lot of the lyrics in a cappella. They bring back memories every time I sing them.
I believe you are trying to say that songs surpass every kind of human relationship. That's why they endure. Last night I listened again to Enrique Iglesias sing Hero.
Ron
if a song is sung (Poetry) - 9/15/2022 7:51:56 PM
this is genuis. the message is simply profound. i especially loved the last 2 lines. thank you for this piece.
if a song is sung (Poetry) - 9/14/2022 2:38:57 PM
What a fantastic tribute to the art, the song, and its impact!
walking circle refrain (Poetry) - 8/3/2022 8:03:57 PM
The master of paucity has written. And it squirms with delight.
walking circle refrain (Poetry) - 8/2/2022 12:16:32 PM
History does tend to circle back from time to time. And some lives are caught up in circular behavior. And I sense a little bit of starstruckness in the end. While time lapse photography shows the northern sky in a constant circle, it is really only the earth rotating rather than the stars.
Ron
walking circle refrain (Poetry) - 8/2/2022 12:22:53 AM
i love how lovely, peaceful, and serene this is, a perfect introspection of just being.
where blind justice is blind (Poetry) - 6/28/2022 9:08:48 AM
White men do like to dominate. Seems like forever for them to give up that domineering role. If they did, "Oh, what a wonderful world it would be."
Ron
raven song (Poetry) - 6/17/2022 4:39:59 AM
A very interesting poem metaphorically,
‘ a reflection’s call to reason’…
An evocative piece of writing..
Diana…🍃
raven song (Poetry) - 6/14/2022 10:51:35 AM
A collage of succinct metaphors that meld
into a masterfully coherent whole.
raven song (Poetry) - 6/13/2022 10:44:59 AM
Only an old abandoned houses that I liked to explore. Never saw any dreams of my youth in those. I have watched shadows travel across the room, but never saw one leave a stain behind.
You create some haunting images with your brief lines of poetry reflection.
Ron
a painted absence (Poetry) - 5/14/2022 7:49:11 AM
Good question. But if the poet published in the past, his poetry is out there in cyberspace. So, if he never writes another thing again, he is still a poet in absence.
I won't hold my breath waiting for your words.
Ron
shattered hourglass (Poetry) - 4/16/2022 11:14:12 AM
So meaningful, Jude. Our lives are never meant to exist in the confines of an hourglass. Life goes on throughout eternity.
sand in a poet’s eyes (Poetry) - 4/3/2022 11:47:42 AM
"black light memories" What fun they were!! Your words are calming and show so much gratitude. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Your writing is classic, w. Jude aher!
Love ya!
Jane
sand in a poet’s eyes (Poetry) - 3/31/2022 7:38:49 AM
Yes, the poet tends to see women on a higher plane glorifying their attributes.
To me, just hugging a woman is the most healing thing, sand in the eyes or not.
Ron
battlefield of lies (Poetry) - 3/12/2022 5:57:00 PM
Your words ring true and are powerful in this poem. 'Heartbreaking.
Love ya!
Jane
battlefield of lies (Poetry) - 3/11/2022 8:42:03 AM
Perhaps, not. But children should grow up with essential freedom and personal worth. Oppressive regimes don't give that to their children. And this land grab is a good example of who are not following the rules according to the Geneva Convention. No child should have to endure conditions of war like a combatant. They should be able to grow up in peace with both parents present.
But your poem indicates them under the horror of war that they will never recover from.
Ron
a beautiful ride (Poetry) - 2/28/2022 5:32:02 AM
As they say ‘The journey is the thing…”
Diana…🍃
a beautiful ride (Poetry) - 2/26/2022 1:14:28 PM
Remarkable poem, with an exquisite last four lines. Those last four would be a very wise motto; they are so profound and evolved. The form you chose for this is well-crafted because it feels like a ladder, and the direction is both up and down. ~~ djl
a beautiful ride (Poetry) - 2/25/2022 5:42:36 AM
Just be alive...takes many years sometimes to embrace this wisdom, Jude. Love the poem, can relate.
a beautiful ride (Poetry) - 2/24/2022 9:48:15 AM
All of our roads end with a dead-end. The trick like in your poem, is to fully enjoy the ride all the way along. Cool.
Ron
a beautiful ride (Poetry) - 2/22/2022 5:37:38 PM
I wake up every morning and count my blessings, and thank God I'm still alive.
Sandie
song of a tree (Poetry) - 2/9/2022 8:03:23 PM
Jude, “song of a tree” . . . Such a wonderful selection of words and arrangement of twenty-six letters of our alphabet. I once stood among the giant sequoias in California and nearly cried because of their strength, their awesome beauty and power, and their refusal to die.
David Lee Thompson
song of a tree (Poetry) - 2/2/2022 8:24:59 AM
Beautifully penned, Jude. A portrait of one who has known sorrow but still exudes life and love.
song of a tree (Poetry) - 1/29/2022 8:49:29 AM
The tree is a major source of life on the planet in your poem does it justice.
Ron
song of a tree (Poetry) - 1/26/2022 7:25:12 PM
...and song of the wind a-blowing.
This a very quiet, thoughtful, and deep poem.
It carries a lot of respect for life and love.
song of a tree (Poetry) - 1/26/2022 7:02:02 PM
Nice, I am fascinated by trees, too. The endless variety in the arboreal kingdom is just amazing. Best wishes, Jude.
as paint across my eyes (Poetry) - 1/16/2022 12:09:45 PM
"a forever as paint across my eyes" does not mean that one's dreams are silent.
Ron
as paint across my eyes (Poetry) - 1/8/2022 7:46:20 AM
Made me want to listen to the heavy silence, heavy with lessons. Beautiful pen, Jude.
mobius highway heart (Poetry) - 12/18/2021 8:20:56 AM
I read the impressions from the highway of the way it was over many miles, sometimes repeating over and over again like a Mobius. As I read, those impressions popped into my mind, like always wanting to skate miles on a river or creek, but never having quite the right conditions to do it.
Ron
mobius highway heart (Poetry) - 12/17/2021 10:42:32 PM
“where words are music” and “yesterday folds cold” — I really like the uniqueness of the order of these words (had to look up ‘mobius,’ and I enjoy new vocabulary words. Intriguing piece. ~~ djl
honor shattered (Poetry) - 12/1/2021 2:06:55 AM
And then we say "innocent"
when the evidence says "guilty."
honor shattered (Poetry) - 11/21/2021 9:23:38 AM
Your best yet. I may venture to think that you are referring to the not guilty verdict for 18-year-old Rittenhouse. I consider that verdict to be a blow to freedom and fair play. I guess that's why the statue of justice is blindfolded. While having access to many video cameras, the jury, mostly white, determined that Rittenhouse acted, "In self-defense."
When my twin brother and I were given a shotgun and 22 semi automatic for our birthday at 16, I understood that I should never point it at anyone or use it to shoot other humans. Our father had a sawed-off shotgun in the closet if ever there was a case of our home being invaded.
At 17, Rittenhouse was able to legally buy a military weapon designed for killing men, and then, crossing state lines, making it a federal, and not a local, case, go to a place where people were angry and in the streets over an ongoing injustice that never seemed to stop.
By going there with that rifle, Rittenhouse made a manly decision to be aggressive. But when challenged and afraid of having his toy taken away, killed two and wounded one.
And then, this big man with a gun who went to help his fellow countrymen save their property, more important than human life, pouted like a little child who made a mistake in the court room. Reminding me very much of our late president.
Ron
patchwork dream quilt (Poetry) - 11/3/2021 11:22:54 AM
If one can carve his/her name upon another's heart and it stays there eternally then it is true love; otherwise, the carving is just a moment of a fly-by-night who has just damaged another's heart. Writings in the sand are much harder to keep safe from disappearing.
Sandie
patchwork dream quilt (Poetry) - 11/2/2021 5:42:22 PM
My thoughts are with all who have been stained by "love and life". Some stains never come out.
Love ya!
Jane
patchwork dream quilt (Poetry) - 11/2/2021 10:50:20 AM
Mighty hard to paint a name across the crest of a wave. But in a surreal dreamscape it may be possible.
Ron
lost within the shades of language (Poetry) - 9/25/2021 10:11:23 AM
I find it interesting that depending on how WE see life
the poets words can be so meaningfully different
for each reader…
I also love the idea of words painting patterns to reflect
images…and conversely a picture can paint a thousand words…
A poem that made me ponder…
Diana…🍃
lost within the shades of language (Poetry) - 9/21/2021 9:37:17 AM
It is remarkable how many readers are blind to the words that poets write. It is all in the language. Why sometimes the greatest poems are in very simple, universally understood, words. But words can paint "patterns" like images in the mind if the poet is skillful enough.
The English languages "messy" enough to probably make it the most misunderstood language in the world, while the most used.
Ron
aura painting (Poetry) - 7/29/2021 7:00:02 AM
I love your poetry, it speaks to my soul. This is beautiful and deep.
shift (Poetry) - 7/29/2021 6:59:12 AM
Jude, this is such a mystic and beautiful tribute to your sister. Deeply touching.
shift (Poetry) - 7/24/2021 7:44:06 AM
I was looking for the "celebration," but had a hard time finding it in your words to this poem. Perhaps, you mean that as we age, we have to shift our priorities.
Ron
alone (Poetry) - 6/24/2021 3:51:39 AM
Shades of Robert Frost:
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
alone (Poetry) - 6/23/2021 9:06:23 AM
Ron. It's just a passing through an everyday reality of the prison of out limitations. Just a mathematical moment. Not an emotional moment. As one gets worse within a health bubble.
alone (Poetry) - 6/23/2021 8:26:13 AM
I was a bit confused whether or not it was the last call for the sea or a reminiscence of elements of a lost love. Perhaps the latter.
Ron
hungry hands (Poetry) - 5/10/2021 9:32:01 AM
VERY SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
hungry hands (Poetry) - 5/9/2021 1:07:44 AM
Your words ring so true...
It seems to be the whole world over...
It is the same here in the UK...
HOPE...
Diana...
hungry hands (Poetry) - 5/8/2021 8:00:28 AM
In a scant three quarters of a century, we have moved from the land to the city. Mothers who once tilled the soil and nurtured flocks, are subject to the discrimination of the workplace that has considered them ill-suited by having children to work in the city. But the concrete has no place to plant seeds or graze flocks. And then we throw away one third of our food as unsuitable to eat. What a shame.
Your poem states it more succinctly and beautifully than my prose.
Ron
hungry hands (Poetry) - 5/7/2021 9:32:59 PM
So true. Well stated.
never said good-bye (Poetry) - 4/18/2021 5:37:40 PM
I never say goodbye.
Life is too short for that
Peter
never said good-bye (Poetry) - 4/17/2021 8:48:38 AM
When someone never says goodbye, and leaves, the loss is that much greater.
Ron
no more (Poetry) - 3/16/2021 4:54:15 PM
I concur. Outstanding wordsmithing!!
Love ya!
Jane
save me (Poetry) - 3/14/2021 12:17:03 PM
Bordering on the taboo. But something a devoted father would do. For some it's okay and for some it's not. For us it is to determine which it is in each particular case.
Ron
freedom without sound (Poetry) - 2/15/2021 7:57:29 AM
What a wonderful poem. It's alive with images and emotions.
freedom without sound (Poetry) - 2/7/2021 8:40:56 AM
Brings back thoughts of the open road and dancing to the tune in one's head recently addicted to from the AM radio in the car. And there was always the mysterious girl that appeared to make freedom really free. Most long for that these days. But it's still here for the young, more than ever.
Ron
songs of a people (Poetry) - 1/23/2021 1:30:13 PM
Whether it be, "America the Beautiful," or "This Land" (was made for you and me) Star-Spangled Banner or any other emotional tune that gets us feeling at our best.
Your poem refers to the fresh air and beautiful presence of endearing songs of the people rather the country music bravado of the man with the gun.
Ron
sing! (Poetry) - 12/21/2020 11:16:46 AM
It is only when a choral of voices raises to the familiar words repeated this time of the year from child to adult throughout a lifetime and beyond that one realizes that the spirit of Christmas never dies in the mind's eye of us all.
Ron
echoes of a child’s sigh (Poetry) - 11/14/2020 9:08:19 AM
I had never heard of Laura Nyro, so I looked her up and was surprised that she was at the 1967 Monterey Jazz and sang her Wedding Bell Blues a song I'm quite familiar with. It turned out that she was writing songs like Carole King for big stars, but not getting the recognition that Carole got or other stars like Prince did later.
In 2003 I was fortunate enough to be on a cruise with The Fifth Dimension headlined so I heard again, live, at least three of the songs she wrote.
Thanks for writing her tribute. Maybe more will remember for a contribution.
Ron
to bleed (Poetry) - 11/1/2020 8:58:33 AM
We are animals. When our frustration reaches a certain level, we lash out and we clash… We bleed. It is really too bad that we have not reached the level where we can intelligently come to the right conclusion based on the science of the matter and not the emotion. Until we come to logical conclusions that we can easily all compromise to, we will continue to bleed in useless wars and violent protests amounting to nothing but frustration.
Ron
ethereal light (Poetry) - 9/24/2020 3:30:37 AM
A very lovely poem. I'm glad I've read it.
Sandie
ethereal light (Poetry) - 9/23/2020 10:49:50 AM
Artists often say that the light of autumn is the best thing you have. You have painted a wonderful portrait of autumn's way with the world. Best to get out on the highway and enjoy it up close and personal.
Ron
ethereal light (Poetry) - 9/23/2020 6:49:03 AM
Probing, introspective poem, interesting and thought-provoking.
what have we lost (Poetry) - 9/6/2020 11:44:27 AM
The beauty of our form of government. Allowing for protest. Pitchforks will no longer do when military tactics are used on peaceful protests. Unfortunately, as we age, we tend to get hardening of the morals that tend to get in the way of our clear thinking when it comes to progress.
Your poem is quite negative while the process continues without worrying about the final outcome that is always towards the best way to live.
ice cold soul (Poetry) - 8/19/2020 10:38:36 AM
Life on the streets is very hard. Even with the sweet smell of asphalt.
Ron
ice cold soul (Poetry) - 8/19/2020 3:52:32 AM
you are right, life is what it is and we learn from it
ice cold soul (Poetry) - 8/18/2020 1:16:18 PM
No, life isn't supposed to be easy, but we would learn to use everything to its best of what God has given to us. Life is what we make of it.
Great poem, Jude!
Sandie
an ideology of truth (Poetry) - 8/9/2020 11:48:47 AM
This one is certainly laced with mystery. Makes me wonder who the widow is who casts a shadow?
Ron
an ideology of truth (Poetry) - 8/8/2020 12:40:40 PM
Reality is often scary. Enjoyed your poem, Jude.
not to live forever (Poetry) - 7/23/2020 11:03:43 AM
It is too bad when a person's life work is only a "stain upon his life." There should be something more to life than that.
Ron
the sea (Poetry) - 7/5/2020 8:39:07 AM
Your poems always have a surreal touch to them. Like the sea living in surrounding the poet as he wrote. Who would I die for? When I first listened to Martin Luther King speak in that monotone with some repetition for emphasis, I almost went to sleep. But, by the time he was through with that momentous speech, I believe I would have taken up arms without arms and walked with him to our mutual death the face of violence and ignorance.
Ron
the sea (Poetry) - 7/4/2020 8:39:59 AM
VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
the sea (Poetry) - 6/30/2020 4:12:41 AM
A double glimpse of life and love under the two ancient symbols--the moon and the sea. Add a wordsmith and poetry appears, on cue and in harmony. Nice.
the sea (Poetry) - 6/29/2020 9:42:14 PM
Your words are very moving, w. jude aher! You have allowed me to step into that looking glass ("mirror") and die for love~~~~~
Love ya!
Jane
dance them down (Poetry) - 6/5/2020 11:12:50 AM
A great rallying call for justice and equality. The 21st-century belongs to a different color and creed. We have a chance to erase the hierarchy of oppression that has existed since time immemorial. We can banish all of the bigotry, oppression and violence. Simply by deleting those who thought they had the only right to lead, primarily with their greed.
Ron
a whisper within a song (Poetry) - 5/24/2020 10:45:56 PM
A beautiful blending of words and thoughts
and observations that are conjured up by a
sea full of mysteries.
a whisper within a song (Poetry) - 5/24/2020 9:26:14 AM
We are all grains of sand on the expanse of seashore. And it is a wondrous miracle when a girl child is set free.
Ron
a whisper within a song (Poetry) - 5/23/2020 11:52:22 AM
Such a fine poem about the state of things, W. jude!! I especially enjoyed your metaphors, w. jude!! Your poetry is so interesting and I come back to read it over and over. I "see" something new each time I do. Thank you, Poet!!
Love ya!
Jane
shadow resonance (Poetry) - 5/3/2020 2:22:25 PM
"a left hand glove"............funny but I always see those as well. Lots of interesting thoughts floating in your words. So fine!
Love ya!
Jane
shadow resonance (Poetry) - 5/3/2020 11:13:21 AM
A lot of mixed images like concrete and cobblestone, scores apart. And references to New York City and beyond, upstate. Heat and cold emerging from the shadows of time.
Ron
sweet child (Poetry) - 4/27/2020 9:03:24 AM
Yes, those wonderful times when the whole world was open and childishly we faced it with a sense of ultimate freedom, somehow lost.
Ron
sweet child (Poetry) - 4/27/2020 1:06:16 AM
Spoken with great longings! I like this.
Sandie
byways into forever (Poetry) - 4/18/2020 9:45:28 PM
There once was a world full of wonders and dreams when we were young, but we still need to keep those dreams alive. Beautiful poem!
Sandie
byways into forever (Poetry) - 4/18/2020 5:27:58 PM
A great mess of thought just scrambling in my brain. A nice retreat!
open palms (Poetry) - 4/6/2020 9:25:37 AM
Certainly a handful to understand, but not a handout. With palms open. Could be a reference to Palm Sunday, but I'm finding that hard to believe as I read your words.
Ron
open palms (Poetry) - 4/6/2020 8:21:02 AM
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
open palms (Poetry) - 4/3/2020 6:08:31 PM
We dare to concede when we know the power of poetry, and you do. Have a healthy and peaceful stay in this life, dear W.
your black face gods (Poetry) - 3/17/2020 9:40:03 PM
Initially your words hit us with reality and then you come back so warmly with what we pray for. We must keep hope! Great write!
Love ya!
Jane
song for all the rest (Poetry) - 2/18/2020 9:30:07 AM
Vignettes of a life lived flashing back through time now so close to closing the door on "all the rest." I had visions that matched yours as I read.
Ron
color soft as (Poetry) - 11/27/2019 10:49:17 AM
You had my mind flashing out new images with every word. Simple words with powerful meaning when viewed that way.
Ron
color soft as (Poetry) - 11/26/2019 9:48:26 PM
Interesting, poetic images in the changing season.
sand castle crumbs (Poetry) - 11/23/2019 2:30:37 PM
While I never fully understand your poetry I do love the expressions you come up with throwing images into my mind as I read.
Ron
sand castle crumbs (Poetry) - 11/17/2019 4:55:49 PM
True poetry within each and ever superb lines of this gem, my friend. I enjoyed each and every one of them.
echo rhyme treason (Poetry) - 10/31/2019 9:38:17 AM
Probably too deep for me to fathom. I think that the word, "reason," would be much better than treason. But then, I didn't get the meaning of your terse words.
Ron
silence (Poetry) - 10/15/2019 9:46:03 PM
The less in brevity can sometimes be so much more, as in this poem. What is left unsaid speaks volumes.
silence (Poetry) - 10/11/2019 9:29:01 AM
Like Edward, life in a nutshell.
Ron
silence (Poetry) - 10/9/2019 3:27:00 PM
You provide much food for thought, jude. Keep it coming!
Hugs
Jane
silence (Poetry) - 10/9/2019 9:24:35 AM
A powerful summation of life in as few words
as I have ever read.
silence (Poetry) - 10/9/2019 3:07:03 AM
Very deep and thought provoking, Enjoyed your poem this morning. Have a great day.
rain window train (Poetry) - 9/21/2019 1:27:49 PM
My memories only go to greasy finger stained train windows, too hot without any rain. While I didn't catch every metaphor thrown out in this poem, I certainly enjoyed the way the words went together to create a picture of what I was reading.
Ron
rainbow sighs (Poetry) - 9/10/2019 1:56:51 PM
Your words are very relevant to today's issues and I "see" much more! Write on, jude!
Love ya!
Jane
as traveling rhythm defines (Poetry) - 8/23/2019 10:56:16 AM
I agree with Jane. Traveling west again in dreams and mind trips. Forever young man forever searching.
Ron
as traveling rhythm defines (Poetry) - 8/18/2019 9:04:38 PM
He's walking that worn highway going west.......to go back to? Love?
Lucky to have that "cold blue moonlight full" traveling with you! Thought provoking!
Love ya!
Jane
runaway girl (Poetry) - 8/18/2019 11:22:44 AM
You reminded me of the waifs I saw in Haight-Ashbury and sometimes gave a lift to in their journeys seeking more freedom and less restraint.
Ron
runaway girl (Poetry) - 8/16/2019 8:51:33 AM
As I read this, jude, I felt it. Write on!!
Love ya!
Jane
driftwood totem (Poetry) - 8/1/2019 10:45:55 AM
Old white men get rather brown of skin when they become beachcombers. Don't know quite how the totem fits in.
Ron
grown too old (Poetry) - 7/3/2019 5:23:16 PM
Such a melancholy offering, jude. You struck a heart string with this one, jude. Excellent!
Love ya!
Jane
prayers for the children lost (Poetry) - 7/1/2019 9:05:11 AM
Who is on the streets dancing across our country in their street theater teaching. In sacrificing years of their lives to stand against all the greed in our country, now! Yes there is no draft but we're killing our children on our borders on on our streets. We're killing more the souls of children by our non christian ways. With our excessive rents, how many children go hungry or go homeless. Once again, as I lived through these political realities in the 60's. And danced to teach into the 80's.
prayers for the children lost (Poetry) - 7/1/2019 8:54:12 AM
I find this a bit confusing. The world is not lost for children. Our population is at the bursting point of no return from so many children growing to adulthood and having more children. As for the lost jester poet, maybe they've just moved to YouTube. Or even having their own "page" on Facebook. I do not mourn for older times, all I have to do every evening to pull up medieval folk music, is Google it on my computer, and I'm taken back to that time and place.
The only angels I remember are the ones with long flaxen hair and miniskirts. And as far as I know, they all bled until menopause.
Ron
prayers for the children lost (Poetry) - 6/30/2019 4:50:11 PM
Your words are very moving and have deeply touched my heart. All that gold! Oh, yeah! All that gold! Don't they love it?
Love ya!
Jane
a long wind’s time (Poetry) - 6/17/2019 7:43:59 AM
We hope for more
but still we lament that
the best they can do is to muddle through.
a long wind’s time (Poetry) - 6/15/2019 1:23:01 PM
All of my hope rests on "the young men" seeing, dear jude. I'm so sorry that the youth are inheriting a "broken yesterday". Great write!
Love ya!
Jane
no retreat (Poetry) - 5/18/2019 12:42:41 PM
Out on the highway in Kansas with no prospects for moving on can be a time of being parboiled in the heat, followed closely by tornadoes and drenching rains/hail/lightning. But come winter, you would freeze your balls off from blue northers coming down every couple days.
Ron
no retreat (Poetry) - 5/17/2019 4:34:17 PM
Your imagery is so fine and the metaphors, the way I "take" them are very "life so real". We must prepare.
Love ya!
Jane
on a cross of history lost (Poetry) - 5/11/2019 3:11:18 PM
You brought back some fond memories....days of exploration and "a long echo"........love that!
Love ya!
Jane
riptide slide (Poetry) - 4/28/2019 9:39:36 AM
In the course of time, our words are but a chameleon's scream. Nice choice of words for the vacuous place our poetry goes.
Ron
riptide slide (Poetry) - 4/25/2019 2:40:49 PM
I absolutely must agree with Jane, Jude. Great work, Jude . . .
riptide slide (Poetry) - 4/23/2019 2:56:54 PM
Your imagery is beautiful and serene in this poem. Yes and true about the "poet's words" and "all the rest". Thank you for this fine offering!
Love ya!
Jane
Just a traveling rhyme (Poetry) - 4/17/2019 10:58:19 AM
While I got no rhyme while reading, I got a lot of reason. I'm so glad I was there on the scene in 1966-68 when it was all happening all around even though I was square as could be, I was drawn to the ocean, the hills, the streets, the ambience and the freedom. The Fillmore was alive then. The Dead were playing free concerts in Panhandle Park. While I was getting high on the music at People's Park and the Pleasanton Fairgrounds with bands as live as they could be. For many, it was a dream that never came true. For me it was the experience that I vicariously enjoyed without having to suffer the consequences. And the music lives on… I hear it every day and sing along. "if you're going to San Francisco…" "Come on people now, love one another…"
Ron
north of time/a southern rhyme (Poetry) - 4/11/2019 10:46:37 PM
Reading this made me dizzy! Your words ring so true and come full circle! (It was a good dizzy!) I say time is. It just is. Write on!
Love ya!
Jane
north of time/a southern rhyme (Poetry) - 3/27/2019 9:36:47 AM
"so much already said." "so much already lived."
Much reflection and pondering from a later age in life. Thank you for the picture. And for your bio which tells much about where you are coming from.
Ron
north of time/a southern rhyme (Poetry) - 3/26/2019 2:19:49 PM
"tomorrow a mirror image of yesterday" . . .
That is a natural fact, my friend it surely is that . . . An image, but it doesn't have to be that way. The image doesn't have to be a mirror image, there is room to learn from it, and maybe even make it better . . .
candle light dancing (Poetry) - 1/10/2019 10:20:46 AM
Some vivid images of a woman dancing in candlelight.
Ron
candle light dancing (Poetry) - 1/10/2019 8:35:42 AM
Ah, the shadows of candle light! Your words are dreamy and had me picturing the dance. Great write!
Love ya!
Jane
morning song (Poetry) - 12/17/2018 10:08:52 PM
I can hear smooth Jazz going on in the background. Groovy.
Love ya!
Jane
mirror of sight (Poetry) - 12/12/2018 12:00:23 PM
There is peace and joy in your words that more readers should see and comment about like Jane did.
Ron
mirror of sight (Poetry) - 12/10/2018 9:01:17 AM
Your imagery and words have come together with a divine and serene message. 'Just what the world needs.
Love ya!
Jane
leaving his footprints (Poetry) - 11/8/2018 9:24:17 AM
Lovely images of the young traveler leaving tracks all over but never coming back. Ends up quite lonely.
Ron
leaving his footprints (Poetry) - 11/7/2018 8:25:45 PM
I really love that, "sweet road river long"! Somehow I got a beat going on when I read that line! Oh, the imagery is all so should be put to music. Your words are fantastic!
Love ya!
Jane
dreams of free (Poetry) - 10/1/2018 5:17:07 PM
If you're going to go out with someone, it certainly would be great to do it on "a beautiful day"! Cash your chips in and catch a breeze!
Love ya!
Jane
dreams of free (Poetry) - 9/27/2018 2:18:05 PM
For those in great pain, dying is probably more freeing and wonderful than any day that dawns.
Ron
dreams of free (Poetry) - 9/26/2018 1:26:58 PM
Such a great perspective!
What a nice change of pace
to die on a beautiful day.
morning song (Poetry) - 9/19/2018 8:11:36 AM
I would hate to get up in the morning to such depressing thoughts.
Ron
morning song (Poetry) - 9/19/2018 12:54:41 AM
I'm having a hard time focusing on what you want to say in your poem that is without any punctuations. This is only like a bunch of words put together annoying.
Sandie
deep water sea (Poetry) - 7/31/2018 9:20:55 AM
I can't say I feel your pain. I find waterfalls to be very refreshing. Wash away the stains of life by their dancing waters.
Ron
deep water sea (Poetry) - 7/30/2018 1:50:09 PM
The blues is a tough place to be in one's head and heart. Sing those blues anyhow, Poet!!
Love ya!
Jane
deep water sea (Poetry) - 7/30/2018 11:55:47 AM
There is melancholy sadness in this poem. However, it is okay to shed tears when one feels sad.
Sandie
sunrise song (Poetry) - 7/28/2018 12:00:11 PM
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
sunrise song (Poetry) - 7/22/2018 11:32:24 AM
Deep thoughts wrapped in descriptive words.
sunrise song (Poetry) - 7/10/2018 7:51:57 AM
The first line didn't make sense until the last line. Cool.
Ron
sunrise song (Poetry) - 7/9/2018 8:25:10 PM
"when you no longer
belong'.................still the show must go on.........sadly at times.
Love ya!
Jane
just one more longing (Poetry) - 6/26/2018 10:49:28 AM
This poem is full of activity and longing. "one last new york summer"......... has me wondering.
Love ya!
Jane
dying alive (Poetry) - 6/24/2018 9:36:11 AM
Ron I understand. For every season there is a time...The Pain and the excess limitations leaves me facing the question: is it worth it? and then I get up have my Tea and watch my river running into the sea. Ans so taste the sweetness; just one more day! This poem is a reflection of a woman who became so much more the person she should have been more beautiful and alive now that she is facing a near death. Her husband just two years earlier passed after two years of so wanting to die. She's been fighting cancer and is now close to losing the battle. This Poem is to Honor her. And our daily Fight.
dying alive (Poetry) - 6/24/2018 8:12:09 AM
I believe a lot of people spend their days, "dying alive." But I must confess, after a night like last night, and many nights like it, along with days, that one gets tired of the pain and misery of illness or injury that works on the body even though the mind wants to ignore. Eventually, to the point where it is preferred to make it stop, even though it is against the law to do so.
Ron
dying alive (Poetry) - 6/24/2018 5:46:52 AM
We are all going to die, one day at a time, even if we don't look into the mirror.
Sandie
dying alive (Poetry) - 6/23/2018 9:41:52 PM
Aren't we all watching ourselves die alive? I see it every time I look in the mirror! Scary!! Great poem.
Love ya!
Jane
his rice paper quiet (Poetry) - 6/12/2018 1:41:11 PM
A heartfelt poem about the tears of a poet dancer.
Sandie
his rice paper quiet (Poetry) - 6/12/2018 9:47:48 AM
A lot of questions raised. Why does the poet dance? Is a lot like why mountain climbers constantly seek higher goals… "Because it's there."
You will never know if the answers to your questions exist. While Ginsberg will be largely remembered for a single poem, Howl, that single poem will guarantee that all of his work will be cherished for a long time. As to whether or not your persona and your poetry will last beyond your posting here, only time will tell.
Maybe, you're defining poem will not be written until you are literally unable to write it like Beethoven's music to Friedrich Schiller's poem, "Ode to Joy," in the last year of his life when he couldn't hear what he was composing.
Ron
his rice paper quiet (Poetry) - 6/11/2018 9:09:55 PM
Careful, dancing child. Dance to the song you hear! 'Enjoyed!
Love ya!
Jane
just one more longing (Poetry) - 5/26/2018 11:29:31 AM
Lovely, mystic thoughts and ambiance, Jude. Enjoyed.
just one more longing (Poetry) - 5/25/2018 8:51:02 AM
I'm not sure by "longing" whether you were wanting to be home or out there on the road seeking new experience. Either way, your poem speaks of adventure.
Ron
gather stand protest (Poetry) - 5/9/2018 8:29:07 AM
Profoundly written. When one is present at great events like this, attitudes can change overnight. We all should have the benefit of epic moments like this. I know I have.
Ron
1972 highway blues (Poetry) - 5/8/2018 8:24:01 AM
Deeply connected to the times and your journey. Recall trying to find shade for my sun and wind scorched face at high noon in Denver on a trip across the country in 1967 in an open MGA roadster with no top. Stopped at a Wyoming restaurant on the way out and they were playing, "If you're going to San Francisco… Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair." We laughed, because we had just come from there. I couldn't connect with the woman at that time either. They were either all to free or encumbered in some way.
Ron
1972 highway blues (Poetry) - 5/7/2018 2:29:49 PM
I know the area well. There was a crash site near Boulder
at that time for flower children going to or coming from San Francisco. A young lady was walking wearily along the highway
with a rolled up mattress on her back. A handwritten sign was
pinned to the mattress that read: "Massage $5." That image summed up the times for me.
my woody guthrie blues (Poetry) - 5/4/2018 4:28:48 PM
What a great peek back. Thank you..........outstanding!
Love ya!
Jane
my woody guthrie blues (Poetry) - 5/4/2018 9:33:34 AM
Like watching an old movie. This land is still our land. Only we don't see it on the automated lanes of the superhighway or from the altitude of a convenient jet plane.
Ron
my woody guthrie blues (Poetry) - 5/2/2018 2:19:46 PM
Both Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger will be missed.
my woody guthrie blues (Poetry) - 5/2/2018 12:55:34 PM
With each passing year, I like Woody Guthrie more and more.
Many thanks for this bit of honest nostalgia.
butterfly dreams (Poetry) - 5/1/2018 5:21:11 PM
Such a touching tribute to a lovely lady, Blanche.
Love ya!
Jane
butterfly dreams (Poetry) - 5/1/2018 9:02:29 AM
You are describing one fine strong woman. I thought the last line should read "on forever." But then, I reread it and feel that "in forever" is just as powerful.
Ron
ice on the water blues (Poetry) - 4/10/2018 9:38:28 AM
I can picture a young man in winter would walk a long way to court a beautiful girl. But more than likely he would be turned down like Mick Jagger, "I can't get no… No, no, no satisfaction, no satis-faction!"
Ron
ice on the water blues (Poetry) - 4/10/2018 5:39:46 AM
Your imagery gives me a visual of a desert night and wonderful things. Thank you, mad poet!
Love ya!
Jane
our children, they die (Poetry) - 3/27/2018 5:22:31 PM
Our children are getting older and they are afraid. They are afraid of our system failing them. They want change and have voices they will make sure will be heard. So many are doing home schooling and e-cot. I doubt I'd send my child to these buildings of execution.
Love ya!
Jane
our children, they die (Poetry) - 3/25/2018 4:57:35 AM
The future belongs to the young. Like warriors who died in all the wars of the past, this battle will be won by death on the field of both the winning and losing side.
Ron
walk slow (Poetry) - 3/14/2018 11:28:37 AM
The walk just as the seasons circle....the more we see the less we believe. I can relate.
Love ya!
Jane
walk slow (Poetry) - 3/13/2018 7:40:30 PM
I did not read this as monotony at all. To me it suggests that if
I slow down, smell the roses, and observe, then a whole new world
could open to me. The Mad Poet is anything but monotonous.
walk slow (Poetry) - 3/13/2018 9:01:19 AM
A better description of monotony, I haven't read.
Ron
the anarchy rhymes (Poetry) - 2/27/2018 12:10:10 PM
I sense a bit of nostalgia. Seeing your death coming and remembering the mirror where your reality still shines.
Ron
the anarchy rhymes (Poetry) - 2/26/2018 5:28:47 PM
Ah, the last two lines say much! Right down the line of life here. 'Love the way you come across.
Love ya!
Jane
high mountain rocky rhyme (Poetry) - 2/15/2018 2:54:34 PM
Ah! I see where your love lies. You warm my heart with this write.
Love ya!
Jane
high mountain rocky rhyme (Poetry) - 2/9/2018 11:05:19 PM
A mixture of a broken cold heart and a warm enduring spirit. Well done!
high mountain rocky rhyme (Poetry) - 2/9/2018 8:12:48 AM
From Rocky Mountain high to the seashore with the winds' icy fingers grasping at your love of her, it seemed a bit incongruous, unless you were on the road.
Ron
high mountain rocky rhyme (Poetry) - 2/8/2018 11:41:54 PM
Shades of John Denver's spirit ridin' high.
high mountain rocky rhyme (Poetry) - 2/8/2018 11:39:39 PM
The visual impact of your words is thrilling!
'sea shell warmth'...a perfect description...
I love this piece of writing...
Diana...
crossing change (Poetry) - 1/24/2018 11:09:59 AM
Amazing how you do what you do!! Tremendously admired work and enjoyed!
Love ya!
Jane
crossing change (Poetry) - 1/24/2018 11:01:21 AM
The words conjure up images that are far beyond what the words individually mean.
Ron
crossing change (Poetry) - 1/22/2018 12:30:34 PM
Have to pretty much agree with Edward, you have a gift.
crossing change (Poetry) - 1/22/2018 11:51:44 AM
Words that express sights and sounds and feelings.
Nobody does it better.
between the seasons (Poetry) - 12/12/2017 3:54:40 PM
Let them sing with voices strong yes let them sing that angel song!
Have a cool yule!
Jane
slow on a young man's mind (Poetry) - 12/2/2017 11:28:30 AM
As I read I thought of "Gentle on My Mind" I think you are referring to how all viewing one's often hectic youth when we are older seems to slow it down into the essential memories that were most important… The sunrises and sunsets.
Ron
slow on a young man's mind (Poetry) - 11/27/2017 4:44:47 PM
Each line slips and flows into the next
with muddles clarity but tempting coherency
until at the end I got the strong feeling
that I had just been on an enlightening
journey. Very poetic.
star-dust rhythm (Poetry) - 11/17/2017 1:44:02 PM
Fluid imagery sparkling from the light! 'Enjoyed!
Love ya!
Jane
star-dust rhythm (Poetry) - 11/17/2017 8:53:48 AM
Stand on the wall of truth. We definitely need more of that in this day and age.
star-dust rhythm (Poetry) - 11/17/2017 7:38:27 AM
Surrealistic desire expressed. While I don't think ordinary thinking can get us there, drugs seem to help for a while, until they let us down--big time.
Ron
Might just be easier and better to live in reality…
