Ditch the ads, upload images and much more - upgrade today from 5.95/month!
Read Contests Groups Learn Forums Store Help
 

As above, so below

I care not for seasons or for love
both change often enough,
  absolute love supposedly never changes
so,  below be done as well as above?

  Should we be
  unconditional and steadfast, as Madmen and prophets?
  Don't you see,
  one believes in an illusion, another creates his own?

 

Can the template from above be followed below?

  The error of the heart is believing so
  else all fails and the folly of men repeats;

I care not for nature or death
both never change or even bluff;
time and Heavens above
supposedly are always changing -

divinity alone contemplates absolute love


for fools believe they counsel kings
as we are all jesters
in a merry dance til death
the most constant of all fates.

  Where are those immortal beings,
  pulling strings on puppets
  who surely know,
  the comedy of Life is patterned
as above, so below?


 

 


 

 

Author notes

~The gods too are fond of a joke.~
- © Aristotle

In a list

Please tell me what you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
    Line numbers  • Invite them to read
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?)

Comments

1 - 89 of 89

  • Breathless Ballons
    May 29, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    i liked this. Really great write! Thanks for entering.


    Oh, and remember to put your SN and Option # in your AN's


  • grannyeri gold member
    May 26, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Liked the flow, rhythm and rhyme throughout these lines; easy to read and understand. Enjoyed the comments already written as well.


  • Nikki Rowles
    May 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Madmen and prohets....I like this...very good write thank you for entering, I'm not adding to the finalists list as of right now but check back later....once again thank you foer entering
    ~*~An Unwritten Truth~*


  • Blooming Poet
    March 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I love this, but it is a little to long. I will alllow it onlt because it is too beauitufl to not allow. Especially here:
    The error of the heart is believing so
    else all fails and the folly of men repeats;


  • adios muchachos gold member
    March 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Grim

    I'm in agreement with the thoughts below, and those above as well.
    Making the ordinary reader complex, and vice a versa.
    A goodly amount of thought has apparently gone into this,
    and I admire the way you staggered the poem into three, four, and five line verses. E pluribus unum.
    Nicely formatted as well.
    Sorry I'm not much of a commentor.

    JJ


  • AlexGray
    March 10, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Brilliant, probably the best one of yours i've read so far!


  • DawnBaby
    March 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Another Excellent write!

    Again I very much enjoyed this piece, you are a talented writer I am finding. Too bad we had to meet in such unfortunate circumstances, but I am a forgiver and I believe you didn't fully understand but not all AP members are blessed with your gifts. Many come out here for other reasons as well. Excellent piece of writing!


  • neurosine gold member
    February 10, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Maybe in the heavens love has no meaning because it's everywhere. And tastes kinda like water. Which, if you haven't had for too long, does have flavor. I don't know. Not a big believer in anthropomorphizing the ether and such. But I'm willing to accept any credible theory. Sorry, good poem by the way. I'm a bit sleepy, and editorializing.


  • rite
    February 3, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Even the lives of the kings of Sumeria one of whom ruled longer than 40,000 years, is less than the blink of an eye in infinity. There are countless souls in realms higher than this dense plane of matter and pain who dread to descend to this world where life is totally stripped of awareness, of the magic powers that souls are bestowed with. We are here to experience the devastating hallucinations of the illusion, because we chose to be here. To feel fear so intensely that we become fear, to live and die in a deceptive conjuring that lasts only until we die. Death will set us free again. But while we are here and now some of us may be driven by the undying will to expose the treacherous illusion. Even if it kills us. Thank you for creating and sharing and the best of luck in the contest. Take care,

    Chris

  • wizbang99
    January 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    aaaaahhhhhhhh

    sink deeper sink deep


  • Megan Awesome
    January 17, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I like this poem. It was something different and deffinately thought provoking. I personally am a religious person, Christine, But I'm open to what otherpeople believe and have to say. Thank you for entering my contest and good luck!!!
    Megan

  • ElvenShadow
    December 20, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    my first impression: why is the font size so huge? in my humble opinion, it comes across as quite distracting.

    never the less, your first five lines are great as a beginning of this poem. the lack of punctuation heightens the effective line breaking and gives a friendly chatty feeling to your words. i think that helps keep the piece that little bit lighter while you're discussing such deep ideas.

    "so below be done as well as above?" - i'm not sure if it's just me, but i found this line confusing. maybe some line breaking (as you've already shown you're clever at) would be in order, to guide the reader in how the line is meant to be read.

    "One believes in an illusion, another creates his own" - beautifully written thoughts about society. this line speaks truth to me.

    overall, this poem shows a talent to express intelligent thoughts and ideas, though beautiful images.

    thank you for entering.

    xx


    • Grimoire
      December 31, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Revision

      Changed the font. Added a comma.

      until exhale,
      homewrecker


  • Robbwindow
    December 15, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Jester

    The tarot cards apparently say we can start as the fool then raise or attain higher levels, but when we go then we leave (like the jester) a humble fool. Thanks for the read homewrecker I liked this poem. Good luck in the competition.


  • poetryality silver member
    December 9, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Hermeticists, Christians, Buddhism, Judaism, Paganism, and Islam all hold that all faiths (religions) have basically the same core of mystical truths. My grandmother told us; "all roads seeking God, lead to God". My personal belief is; "All is One" Mankind has managed to separate peoples. I am also a firm believer that earth is a mirrored reflection of the heavenlies. Not to confuse the [heavenlies] with Heaven.

    There is a spirit world round about us, and it is highly active. Most people choose to tune that world out and rely on an Earthbound sense of being and no more. Thereby closing themselves off to insight and the oneness I speak of. Just as in the heavenlies, there are demonic spirits and angelic spirits that roam about on the Earth. There may be many that frequent this site. You never know who you are speaking with or what dimension they are from.

    "Agape" love never changes. There is no reason for that love is perfect, unblemished, infinite, and eternal. As mere mortals, humans, we have not advanced past our own selfishness to comprehend unconditional love, although I have witnessed it in my own life experiences with a husband that stood by me with the evidence of unconditional love through some rocky times. I don't know if I would have had the love or strength to stand by him if the shoe were on the other foot (just being honest here).

    When I express that "I love you Ted" that is the truest way I know to express "Agape" love. I am still learning but I do believe that the love of a stranger because we know that we should love is in the smallest form, still a form of "agape".

    Oh my... I could go on and on as provoked by your poem. Your words entice me to ponder for a day or two and return. This is what philosophers love about poets, their ability to create with words, ideas that spin and whir the imagination into bending, and pressing out response. Excellent! I am sure to return to this poem so, I will bookmark to make that revisit easier on myself.

    Thanks for making my mind work past the norm. LOL


    Much Love ♥

    Renee


  • sidewinder silver member
    December 9, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    profound is this...
    here you are posing a question dealing with organized religion and what purpose does it serve when man himself continues making the very same mistakes over and over without learning from those same mistakes in life and will he continue in the same puzzle throughout life itself.

    Yes you have me thinking my friend.
    It's too bad that some can't look at this piece without worrying about damn puctuation and structure and what they think poetry should be.
    freeverse is what it is people!

    Well done my friend!
    Keep penning on one stroke at a time!
    Bill


  • x-Black-Butterfly-x gold member
    December 9, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    this is beautifully written from the prompt and it holds a darkness within it. its amazing well done and keep penning


  • z etoile
    December 7, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I enjoyed this peice to the last stanza great writing


  • aslanlight
    December 7, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    My mate's band Oracle has an album named 'As Above So Below' (Not the well known Oracle but a Brit band). What I love about this is that each line gives much food for thought. I could be sent off on so many contemplative routes; you must be a very deep thinker!

    Peace Georgia


  • PastelMoons gold member
    December 4, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    What a clever write.
    Indeed -'nature or death..Bluff'
    Without faith what have we
    but paradoxical words quilled on ancient
    parchment.(just something that came

    to mind as I read)
    "for fools believe they counsel kings
    as we are all jesters
    in a merry dance till death
    the most constant of all fates"
    I am particularly fond of this stanza.
    This is one of the most thought
    provoking writes i've come across
    in a long time.
    You have a way of bringing
    words to life in such a unique
    and intriguing way.

    I have nothing but praise

    for this piece-Bravo!!!

    Thanks for sharing

    ~Pastel




  • SaintLoner
    December 3, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Nicely done

    "Don't you see?
    One believes in an illusion, another creates his own"

    Very nicely put, Love the title as well. Its true with the world, Believe it or make it, Its all about how you percieve it.


  • angel-lover
    December 1, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    good write, no higher power nor lower form is equal,
    for lower form lives life the higher lives by the suffering of others real life is experience challenges hopes and dreams to fail and to grow to suceed to love to feel all emotions to all are real excellent read well thought up


  • Menace
    November 28, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I appreciate the decomposing of common beliefs, but it brings me to a question. You have to know if you will stand for something or fall for anything. As obligatory as some may seem, beliefs are all people have to keep surviving. It gives them that false sense of importance that they desperately need.

    • Grimoire
      November 29, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Yes, you are quite correct. However, I write to allow the reader to use their own imagination, and their own set of beliefs to interpret my poems. I am not quite sure of the "question" you implied in the first sentence of your comment. I stand for something, lots of things actually... I don't propose to poetically state those however, for nobody cares much about what I personally believe in, nor is it the style of writing I enjoy doing. Politicians, Pastors, and Prophets are much better at forcing their beliefs on others. Beliefs are not ALL people have to keep surviving, they also have false beliefs, illusions, dreams, hopes, desires, art, love, war, food, air, water..... though I do agree with you that beliefs are what bind people into like groups, and cultures, but I , personally, believe that poetry, like music, should be more of a universal language.... which speaks more to the soul, than to the beliefs of a person.


  • Swangrnv gold member
    November 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    penetrating piece...

    ...really makes the reader think, so i'll just say this: I THINK THIS PIECE IS ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING I HAVE READ IN AWHILE.


  • Abby In Chains. silver member
    November 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    One believes in an illusion, another creates his own


    true words, beautifully spoken. this reminds me of something i just have not figured out what.

    i will get back to you

    Abby

  • EmeraldDaze
    November 6, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Hmmm..This sounds very cynical.

    • Grimoire
      November 29, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Yes, it is quite cynical. Of course, if you have never had your heartbroken and therefore never questioned love you wouldn't understand.


  • Rebekah-Ann silver member
    November 5, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Intelligent write! Really loved this poem!


  • beryl
    November 4, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    A brilliant poem full of intelligence and ponder, and delivered in unique perfectness.


  • sapphireangelwings
    November 4, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Oh I think I could come back to this time and time again and catch something new each time! I love it!


  • StarEyes
    November 4, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Hmmmm, Never seen one done quite like this before! You leave one thinking on your words here! I love it.

    Best of luck in this contest!!!

  • joeone2
    November 4, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    nteresting, makes one thin

  • joeone2
    November 4, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I'm fine, was abroad.


  • zochit2me gold member
    November 4, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    you go deep into this and leave a pondering in one's mind when reading. Thought provoking poetry is good if done properly and I think this achieved that.

    I care not for seasons or for love
    both change often enough

    this lead in line "hooked" the reader and then kept them.
    A very well written piece.

    Becky


  • quaneefah
    November 4, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Wow

    This was different I enjoyed the read I do understand that you have the jinjang battle and your speaking from both sides it is a good thing to ask questions. No matter what you believe let your heart be your guide. I shall check out more of your work to get the jest of you and your thoughts this was very interesting keep penning have a blessed day if you don't mind me saying. Peace


  • blueyez
    November 4, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    it was a nice read.


  • Pandorea
    November 4, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    intriguing...you have a good writing style. i enjoyed this...though t was weird cos i've written one theamatically similar (almost identical!) though in a different style, so it was odd to read this.


  • ellipsist
    November 4, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    very strong - the beginning and end especially... well done poet!


  • RedwingSpirit silver member
    November 3, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    excellent piece nice form


  • Cerulean Sunrise gold member
    November 3, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Very thought provoking piece. Keep thinking and writing. Be Well


  • buddhax
    November 3, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    really good poem


  • PerfectImperfection
    November 1, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is truly poignant. The emotions behind the truth of it all, and what we choose to believe. Excellent penning here. I read it through a few times...
    For me, the most intense of all stanzas:

    "Can the template from above be followed below?



    The error of the heart
    is believing so
    else all fails and the folly of men repeats"

    Such a very well written piece of thoughtful depth.


  • Celticmoon
    October 24, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for taking the time enter and good luck to you!


  • HoneyFire
    October 17, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    ummm hummm... interesting. I see just what your saying


  • Jacob Jesus Escape
    October 15, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Much better!


  • Mezclita
    October 13, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Mmmm i like it! Though I'd much prefer it without the picture... a little too violent for me... but i understand you need to use it as a means to break from that "fantasy world" some insist upon living in... as above so below... I agree... because I think heaven and hell (good and evil) is really everywhere... so you choose what you live. I also like how you compare us to jesters because i think that's the truth: no one really knows any better... we're all fools equally searching and discovering together but never understanding everything any day... so what? You still try to do your best though... at least that what I believe... thanx 4 it!


  • TXCowgirl
    October 11, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I love the old english that you in threw in this, but I have always been a big fan of old english...I felt that it give this poem an added emphasis on what you were trying to get across without being overly powerful. I like that I can see you trying different types and styles of poetry. You definately have a flare for it.
    ~TXCowgirl


  • Kevin Moderators member
    September 28, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    the relation to seasons/love that "below/above" has Im confused about

    stanza breaks would help make it more readable / eye breaks.

    "fools counsel kings" == cliche oft == bit olde-english cliche

    "as jesters we all are" == inversion, use "we are all jesters"

    some of your word choice has a feeling of profoundity to it. I really loved the title

    • Grimoire
      October 27, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      I have revised this one, taking full heed of all your advice. See if it has more clarity, and is better overall.
      thanx,
      ted


  • quantumsurveyor
    September 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is an absolute hoot - you tell the comedy of life so excellently. I am a pernickety old b*gg*r and find nothing wrong with your grammar etc. Keep on doing it!


  • Thoughtful Seeker
    September 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Nice job!!

    This has a great flow to it, and a very snarky wit. I like the fact that you are more about the message than about the technical aspect of things. Everyone has their own opinion and it was interesting to read yours. Keep up the great work. Jani

    • Grimoire
      September 27, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you for saying that, though i can tell by implication you see it is rough around the edges as far as Grammar, punctuation, etcetera........ I am still seeking to master the formatting, style, and other stuff.

      • Thoughtful Seeker
        September 28, 2007
        Edit | Reply
        I wasn't trying to come off like that. Trust me I'm not the best at grammar or punctuation either. What I was trying to say was that your words were powerful and much more important than how you placed it all together. It just came out wrong, I'm never really good at critiquing other's writes. I was actually trying to compliment you but I came off sounding like a jerk. I should have worded things differently, I was a little tired when I did this critique. Your poem was amazing, and I saw nothing wrong with it. You are very talented. T.S.

  • Saraphira
    September 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I see nothing at all improper about your punctuation or grammar. I love the stoic cynicism, I love the utter lack of tasteless filler, I love the bite.

    I do not love the title or its use in the poem, but I can't finger why, and it doesn't ruin it for me anyways.

    Is there no proper rate of change? Of course not. One might accuse men of jumping too quickly, acting too rashly yet without appropriate conviction; likewise, one might also accuse the gods of moving to slowly when clearly their charges are screwing it all up. Many other ways for that to be interpreted, but that's first irony that caught me.

    Earth to Jim: We cannot, all of us, structure our poems with cookie-cutters. Good job you can, though.

    • Grimoire
      September 27, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you for your comment, and its honesty. You are pretty close to the correct interpretation (at least ONE of them) of the poem. The first few lines speak of Love as an Absolute, as described by Plato in "Phaedo". How we as mortals cannot acheive, create or even imagine how Love is Above (Heaven), contrasted to the Love below (Earth).


  • Angelo di Luce gold member
    September 27, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    greetings truly said

    i`m not sure of strings

    i know of fate and mision

    and of carma.


  • Arsenic-
    September 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Kind of difficult for me to grasp the bottom line, but it seems almost a commentary on the line from the lord's prayer that presuposes that what is done above is in accordance with some plan...and likewise what we mere mortals partake in is a weak reflection. Not exactly good doctrin, but just kind of the feeling I get from this poem. Well, the reading is easy and nicely structured. That's my two cents for ya'.

    • Grimoire
      September 27, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Actually, it was inspired not by the Lords prayer, but rather from "Phaedo" by Plato. He talks of his Theory of Absolutes, one of which is Absolute Love.


  • Star Shine
    September 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I love the rhyme and rhythm and the creativity in this, a philosophical question in a lovely poetic offering.

  • Jacob Jesus Escape
    September 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    No sentence. Only questions?
    Only choice.
    Is there no proper rate of change?
    I do seem to take from this that our fate does not change
    but what fills our minds fills our little lives
    with what we can accept of our sentence
    and questions
    and foolishness

    It's fun that I cannot tell whether the madman or prophet
    is the believer or creator but must suspect that you treasure the Madmen

    That fits, somehow.
    And somehow I find myself wishing this were separated into a beginning, middle and end...but that's just me.

    • Grimoire
      September 27, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Yeah, I realize the punctuation is atrocious, and it makes it EVEN more difficult to cipher the interpretation of the poem. I am reworkin it today, formatting and punctuation etcetera. Thanx for seeing past my poor English to the message instead !!!!


  • Touchof1der silver member
    September 25, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This one leaves me pondering a bit. I am not sure I get the total gist of what you are saying but then again, it IS almost 1am here is yeehaw Texas. i do feel this could do with a little tightening of the lines butto each his own. Always remember that in poetry, there are no hard and fast rules unless you are writing form poetry. It's all about what appeals to you as the writer as well as to your reading audience. Just like I don't care for punctuation and capitalization... others seem to feel it is a must. Of course, they are wrong and I am right.
    ♥ Touchof1der





  • Exit-Stage-Right
    September 22, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Wow, after all the accolades

    I'm not going to start dumping cold water on it. Not my cup, I guess, but probably more from the standpoint of sloppy grammar and unusual punctuation - lack of capitalization (or where it is unexpected ie. last line) and that sort of thing. The words are sort of intriguing so I guess I got something out of it. Sorry for the lukewarm response.

    • Grimoire
      September 23, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      why bother

      the grammar is not sloppy, it is meant to be exactly as it is. the punctuation is what it is and there it is there. i write free flow stream of thought so cluttering my brain with such things only interrupts, hinders, slows or stops the images, emotions, overall sense/tone I am trying to convey. as for going back to fix it later? why bother? I appreciate your "lukewarm" response, I am a little (actually a lot, alot) confused as to why did you comment on "As above, so below". Are you an english professor? and I the student? If all the stars in the heavens were EXACTLY the same distance apart how mathematical, and boring the nightsky would be. Must my writing follow such static analogies as that? Please tell me that my poem was too vague, or incoherent, or bland, or predictable, or pick any adjective you want......... just don't cage me in, or give me rules or limitations of commas, periods, capitalization etcetera ......... limits frighten the holy shite out of me.

      • Exit-Stage-Right
        September 24, 2007
        Edit | Reply

        Good luck with that.

        Freedom is good. Unrestrained freedom is chaos and anarchy. The grammar IS sloppy through the eyes of the majority of the world. You can call the dents and dings and missing fender on your car "art", or you can face up to the fact that you own a junker. If you're happy, I'm elated.

        • Grimoire
          October 13, 2007
          Edit | Reply

          Houston we have a problem !

          Unrestrained freedom is the only kind. In fact, some would argue the true definition of freedom is being without restraints, limits, rules etcetera. To some, in fact, chaos and anarchy are just another way of saying freedom. Dont let laws of man over rule your perception of things. Laws of nature are not the same as laws of man. Art is not subject to the laws of man, whether in grammar, painting, or whatever. Rather look to freedom with the laws of nature applied to its definition. Laws of man when applied to freedom imply police or authority, or mathematics, or other static devices. So, for arguments sake, lets just say that poetry is art. The dents and dings which I call "art"? I don't recall, either in the poem, or in any reply to you I actually called my poem "art". So I guess it is just a given that it was "art", so everyone, including even you must think poetry is art. I don't think you would have told Michaelangelo that his shading, or perspective, or hue, etc. was sloppy. Or is the sistine chapel ceiling also a "junker"? I wasnt aware that the majority of the world had read my poem. I guess you are implying that punctuation, capitilization and such are widely uniform in their application and necessary, in fact, obligatory in all cases. How else can interpretation possibly be construed without it?
          Well, to that I say, the majority of the world probably also thinks that a NEW line probably is the start of a new sentence or thought. The majority of the world would probably also look to the meaning overall, using their inherent ability for cogent reasoning. Where there seems to be doubt, or confusion, in the poem, the majority of the world would look to place commas and seperate one sentence or idea from the next on their own. Humans have that ability, (at least the majority of the humans in the world), it is what seperates us from all the other creatures. In fact, if you read anything enough times you will automatically put in missing punctuation in your mind. With each subsequent reading the clarity comes from understanding one thought from another, which is seperated/ended by "invisible" punctuation/capitalization. Which is why some poets leave punctuation out on purpose, or so I assume. I guess some pieces are actually meant to be read multiple times, that was not my intention however. Nor do I believe you read my poem more than a couple of times, if that. I suppose I could continue shooting this dead horse, or try to defend my poor little poem further. There aren't any points you brought up that I haven't explained, or shown to be inaccurate (mild understatement). Earth to Jim: I have reworked this poem http://allpoetry.com/poem/3090954
          just for you, (oh, and the majority of the world too!).

          • Exit-Stage-Right
            October 13, 2007
            Edit | Reply

            Thank you for the ambitious reply!

            Houston we have a problem !
            Unrestrained freedom is the only kind. In fact, some would argue the true definition of freedom is being without restraints, limits, rules etcetera. To some, in fact, chaos and anarchy are just another way of saying freedom. Dont let laws of man over rule your perception of things.

            [So I can walk into your house, take the things I want, slap your wife and kids as I see fit, all because I'm physically bigger than you and free to do so if I choose. No, if everyone was granted complete unrestrained freedom today, there would be tyranny tomorrow. The stronger would kill off the weaker til finally someone organized, made agreements, pacts, treaties and codified a law among themselves.]

            Art is not subject to the laws of man, whether in grammar, painting, or whatever.

            [Art IS applicable to the laws of nature and man. Hang an explicit painting of two people doing the wild-thing in your front window and find out what sort of laws you are subject to! Even from a technical standpoint, ask yourself, how come elementary school crayon drawings aren't hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art? It's because they have no artistic value beyond a mother's pride for her child. Cutting a page out of a telephone book isn't poetry. Copying a recipe out of a Betty Crocker cookbook isn't poetry. So, if there is a delineation between what is and what isn't poetry than there are laws, albeit nebulous ones, that dictate what is poetry. A couple of my own(very disputable) off the cuff guidelines would be:

            1.) Poetry isn't prose (though can be 'prose poetry'.)
            2.) A poem, to be considered such, requires some poetic device
            3.) To succeed as a poem, a poem needs an audience, much as a song. Consider someone who is a complete dunce on the piano. Put them in Carnegie Hall in front of thousands. Tell them to bang away random notes and chords for an hour. I'll be walking out of the auditorium in a New York minute.
            4.) To succeed as a poem, a piece of writing needs to be compelling. I realize that's pretty ambiguous and vague, but 4. will affect 3. If the music isn't compelling at some level, people will walk.]

            So, for arguments sake, lets just say that poetry is art. The dents and dings which I call "art"? I don't recall, either in the poem, or in any reply to you I actually called my poem "art". So I guess it is just a given that it was "art", so everyone, including even you must think poetry is art. I don't think you would have told Michaelangelo that his shading, or perspective, or hue, etc. was sloppy. Or is the sistine chapel ceiling also a "junker"?

            [Ah, the Sistine Chapel is a wonderful example of art. Picasso, on the other hand is not. Picasso's attempts at realism were mediocre, at best, but he was loved and adored for embracing communism and being an "artist of the people." Sure, you'll find some Picasso junkies out there that defend Picasso's dings-and-dents as art, much as you'll find a small cadre of lunatics who go to thrash metal concerts to have their ears tortured. It's not because the noise is pleasant, it's what it stands for.]

            I guess you are implying that punctuation, capitilization and such are widely uniform in their application and necessary, in fact, obligatory in all cases.

            [Nope. But I am saying that a properly placed comma, or the omission thereof, can alter a sentence's meaning. In such cases it is needed to clarify what you intend.]

            In fact, if you read anything enough times you will automatically put in missing punctuation in your mind.

            [Not all poems are worth "reading enough times".]

            Which is why some poets leave punctuation out on purpose, or so I assume.

            [Just the other night I wrote a piece called "Longing for Minnie Driver". I was listening to her CD over and over... it's like an intoxication... she has a sultry seductive voice that moves you, well, me, at any rate. I was writing discontiguous sentences as they occurred to me, more or less, with a bit of editing afterwards. They are disjointed thoughts combining to make some semblance of a whole. Because the poem starts in the middle of a mind ramble, I did not capitalize the first letter of the poem. There is a period at the end of the poem and one comma somewhere in the middle for clarity. The period adds a bit of finality to the piece, to the end of a dream, even though the paucity of punctuation throughout the rest of the poem hardly justifies its existence. On your original draft, the punctuation was haphazard. If you took one of Shakesperes sonnets and started decapitalizing proper nouns and throwing punctuation marks in the middle of words and phrases, and rewrote some lines in ChAtSpeaK, or whatever, it would cheapen it, no?]

            Earth to Jim: I have reworked this poem http://allpoetry.com/poem/3090954
            just for you, (oh, and the majority of the world too!).

            Thank you! It is a much finer product for the effort! Minimalists be damned!



  • eyespy
    September 22, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Awesome!!!

    I love the flow, and the content is very thought-provoking!!! Reminds me of the cryptic tablet of Hermes and the significance of the key to all mysteries - all is one. This is an outstanding piece, and I applaud your work here!!!! Best of luck to you


  • FindingFaith
    September 22, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is a good read. It made me feel as if I was in a riddle, trying to find my way out. Different and unique which are two great things to be when you say you are a writer. Very nice.


  • Aesthete2000 gold member
    September 21, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Definitely a treat for the mind,
    an excercise following your thought train,
    from above to below.

    Well done!

    Aesthete


  • Mallig gold member
    September 21, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    This is a fascinating piece. Several lines such as "as Madmen and prophets
    one believes in an illusion, another creates his own" and "for fools believe they counsel kings,
    as jesters we all are, in a merry dance til death
    the most constant of all fates" were memorable and really stood out for me. Well done!


  • lilith78
    September 21, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I love how this comes full circle to reinforce the title. All the worlds a stage! We are but puppets pulled by strings for immortal begins enjoying the comedy show . . . dancing until our death. Strong diction, strong structure, strong poem! Thank you for sharing!

  • pelo801
    September 21, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    a little overcomplex for my taste, or just call me a simpleton. but i agree with blankscreen, i could imagine myself hearing this from a stage. as jesters we all are, in a merry dance til death, beautiful line and very good job

  • Diatribes
    September 21, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Such poetic apathy.
    I empathize with the bitter anddiscontent feel in your words.


  • Blankscreen2222
    September 21, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I liked this one.
    A good reflective piece of mind talk.
    As a monolgue, this is the type of thing that I could imagine listening to on a stage.
    The content is interesting too.


  • captain howdy
    September 21, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I thought this piece was very interesting! I loved your choice of words, and I could quote which parts I like, but it would end up being an entire poem, so just know that you did a great job with this!

  • JustBreathe gold member
    September 21, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Food for thought here ... similarities between love, changing seasons, death ...
    "the comedy of life is patterned,
    As above, so below"

    Love this line...
    "unconditional and steadfast, as Madmen and prophets
    one believes in an illusion, another creates his own"

    Good concept and imagery poet! ....JustBreathe


  • AliceinPoetryLand gold member
    September 21, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    A very deep and thought provoking piece. You have woven your wrods expertly to create this great write.
    Thanks so much for sharing
    Gay;ene


  • Blueskywonder
    September 21, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    WOW!this is a powerful piece... i like the logic you have woven into the content of this piece,

    "as Madmen and prophets
    one believes in an illusion, another creates his own"

    great lines in a cool piece!

    Well done and thankyou for5 sharing


  • Flybutter
    September 21, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Great work of art!

    This poem really touched me on an emotional level! You have some sure talent! Please don't ever stop writing!


  • Tamera
    July 13, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    True , and poetic.


  • PoPtArTpRiNcEsS
    June 28, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    i love it

    this is great!!! very beautiful

  • CaptianBunny
    June 22, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Its pretty good, I really think you should put spaces in between every 3-5 lines.. over all its good and I think u should write more! go insperation!


  • barefoot contessa silver member
    June 19, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I like this as well. I know somebody who would love your style. I'm going to send her over to your page. My favorite lines are 4 through 6. They really gave me a lot out of this poem. I hope you don't mind me adding you to my favorites.

    • Grimoire
      June 19, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      I like your style too

      thanx,
      I don't mind you sending someone to my page or you adding me to my favorites....I will certainly do the same with you. I am gonna need a whole day to read all your stuff. I spent an hour on 2 of your poems....nice. Ted


  • Keeper Of Peace
    June 19, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Interesting...

    Lovely choice of wording here........I can like not understand and understand this poem at the same time............indeed.....nice imagery there.......excellent use of title thats the main thing that caught my eye


    KoP


  • blueyez
    June 19, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    wowwwwwwwww what a cool pic!!!!! very good imagery and metaphor use here! A wonderful read!
    Peace and Love

1 - 89 of 89