Reviews from

Leaders reflect us...

Philosophical Poem

57 total reviews 
Comment from Seshadri_Sreenivasan
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We vote them to high offices in the hope that the leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of vision and the people suffer. This is happening all over the world. Thank you for sharing a thought-provoking poem.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 07-Jul-2021
    Thanks so much Seshadri, for these marvellous comments and review, blessings Roy
Comment from Jesse James Doty
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You are so right, Roy. I agree with you 100%.
We are so quick to criticize those who the majority voted for when we don't know how to fare if put in their positions. So as you say, he who cast the first stone...etcetera. I also agree that this is common sense, whether we are religious or not. Thank you for bringing up this very valid point.
Have a wonderful Fourth of July, Roy.
Jesse

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 07-Jul-2021
    Thanks so much Jesse, for these marvellous comments and review, blessings Roy
reply by Jesse James Doty on 08-Jul-2021
    You're very welcome, Roy.
    Have a nice day,
    Jesse
Comment from Earl Corp
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I don't think of elected officials as leaders. You don't have to have leadership qualities to win a popularity contest. You being up that same point when you say elected officials reflect the people that voted them in. Very nice job.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 07-Jul-2021
    Thanks so much Earl, for these marvellous comments and review, blessings Roy
Comment from Ben Colder
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Poor America. Understanding this poem reveals how America sleeps and can not function mentally Reminds me of the mirror and looking at ourselves. Nero played, while Rome burned.
Good one, Bro

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    Thanks so much Ben, for these supportive comments and compassionate review, blessings Roy
Comment from Janice Canerdy
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Your poem is excellent--skillfully written, expressively worded, and powerful in its message. I agree with you to an extent--that we are imperfect, like those we elect, that God judges hearts and souls--BUT I must say that our leaders are held accountable in a VERY real way that we are not. Do you remember a few years back when Biden referred to himself as pro-life? Well, I suppose he got raked over the coals by his party, because he backed off. You and I can say what's in our hearts. Candidates can't--not to the extent we can, not if they want to be elected. They have to pander to a party.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    Yes, we must also realise their temptations are far greater than ours, they face things we can?t imagine, we must learn compassion and support not their policies, but support THEM, it?s easier for us to maintain principle, it takes a hero to withstand real temptation, under immense, how many are heroes? Not many, thank you Janice, blessings Roy
Comment from Begin Again
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Good morning, Roy... What a world we live in...pointing fingers, judging those around us while allowing others to do the same without fear... Instead of any of us coming together for the betterment of the masses, I fear we all either turn our backs and refuse to participate or else we simply point our fingers and divide with our cruel words. The Lord created us as equal and expected us to grow as a united force of love and honor. What a sad representation we have been! Hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    Thanks so much Carol, for these compassionate comments and wise review, blessings Roy
Comment from duchessofdrumborg
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

"Leaders Reflect Us...", is an extremely well-written and thought-provoking piece. This talented poet has asked several 'too close to the bone' questions. Not for a moment would I attempt to answer them. I look forward to seeing your next post.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    Thanks so much Duchess, for these wonderful comments and review, blessings Roy
Comment from Katie Mae Dead
Excellent
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This is a very powerful and thought provoking piece.
I agree that our leaders are not perfect. No one is.
I like the back and forth commentary
Excellent rhymes and meter.
The final stanza is my favorite...
"For only God and he alone, can judge the heart of flesh and bone."

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    Thanks so much Katie Mae, for these excellent comments and review, blessings Roy
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Excellent
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You state your point well and forcefully with backup ammunition from religion. And yet, the topics of politics and religion will obviously cause strong opposing views, as it has with me. The poem overlooks the disenfranchised, the poor, those subject to racism and lack of social justice. I would say the poem reflects a position of privilege. I say this with all due respect for you Roy, since I admire your work and I am listening to your argument. In a way, my visceral response shows that your poem has done its work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    I was born into a working class environment in a poor city inLiverpool, England, my parents were poorly educated, as am I, I left schools at 14, worked hard all my life, I live on a small pension. So you judge too quickly my friend, which was my point. I met God as a drunk, a compulsive gambler, and a smoker, my life turned around, your judgement is false and cruel, disenfranchised people is a completely different issue! I understand prejudice! But thanks for your opinion Theodore. Blessings Roy.
reply by Theodore McDowell on 04-Jul-2021
    Again, I love your points, even in the response. I'm not being cruel as I'm sure your not being judgmental of my response. I view us as in a positive dialogue about how much leeway to give politicians and religious ideas about leaders really being chosen by God. Please don't take me the wrong way Roy. I admire you. After all my friend, steel sharpens steal. No judgement from me, just expressing possible alternatives that should deepen us both in topics that flare into very cherished and strong emotions. Blessings, Tim
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    I am against ALL prejudice, my friend, all men deserve to be treated well, whoever they may be, God left Heaven and became a man, was treated like a common criminal, born in a stable, even the clothes he wore were borrowed, he owned nothing, died for all, was killed in the worst way conceived, but He died for all! I?m on nobody?s side, yet on all men?s side, we are all sinners, no one is pure, only God Himself, you don?t think I know what you?re saying, I do! Richness depends on love and grace shown, not money or status. If God cares I care. Bless you
reply by Theodore McDowell on 04-Jul-2021
    Roy, as Paul Newman said in Cool Hand Luke, "What we have here is a failure to communicate." I don't think you're prejudiced and I believe the same gospel as you. I was trying to explain that I think your views on leaders being ordained by God and therefore worthy of being obeyed can sometimes mute protest and actions aimed a social justice. I'm not talking about your individual belief systems etc. I'm sorry if I offended you. I assumed that if you were asserting certain political and religious views about government you would be willing to hear a different take on those intellectual views. I will drop it, don't want to offend you further. Just know that I am a brother in Christ and we have a lot in common concerning our journey to Christ. Blessings and let's let the rest and be reconciled.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    I?m not offended at all, I just don?t think you understand. Many did, but we all look through a different lens, I wasn?t saying obey them! I was saying respect them as fellow men doing a difficult job. But you said I was coming from a position of privilege, I have no political preference or agenda. I am simply against prejudice of any kind dear friend. You must have missed the point, completely, but I?ll say nothing on the subject. You?ll find I?m still your friend having a serious debate. Nothing more. Bless you
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
Excellent
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Everything you say makes perfect sense. Judge not lest ye be judged. That is the wise way to be. However, indoctrination is not what we expect from politicians. We expect, as you say, that they will want to please their constituents. Inaction, in some quarters, is not pleasant.

I must add that you are the epitome of what "Love Thy Neighbour" means.
You do turn the other cheek!

Ralf xx

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2021


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2021
    Thanks so much Ralf, for these wonderful comments and review, blessings Roy