very interesting piece you have weaved here...i see much truth shining through in a way that makes me smile...*i especially like your reply to the bar patron ;) Blessings~Kimberly

woowww... On being asked if I was
a longhaired faggot
when inadvertently
walking into a country western bar,
I informed the nice
gentlemen that had inquired
that no one in this establishment
was pretty enough
to find out.


this is freaking genius. my god. and yes, the third stanza cut, like those sizzors that my mother told me not to run with as a child.

You've done it again. You've ripped the self-serving slipcovers off of the cheap furniture...and then praised the old wooden rockingchair that has withstood the test of time. Amen, Brother Max.

This is a song, sung by wisdom's heart... hard won, and kept. Thank you... for having the courage.. to sing.

As poetry, this is not nice, not pretty, and not, for some i guess, comfortable reading. But it has substance, it reeks of conviction, and it doesn't compromise...and so it is beautiful. Hmm...no closer to discovering if you're a faggot though...:>]

Witty, entertaining, and yes, even intelligent piece of work Max.

This is why I get so excited to see a green arrow next to your name! wonderful work. :)

bravo!

smiles..while thinking..darn this is great stuff!

I loved the last two stanzas especially. It is sad, that people refuse to let go of systems which are continually proven to not work. And the fact that they don't work, makes solution cliche and everyone is cynical, to the point where they heckle those who have hope.

I'm amazed. Your commentary and philosophy in verse never ceases to be fascinating and exquisitely written. This does a remarkable job of exploring the flaws inherent in the belief that 'our way is the right way.'

Edgy, provocative, and brimming with wit as usual. By now, we expect nothing less. ;) Keep keepin' those eyes open, the whole of Pathetic delights when you do.

very powerful.....I really like this one....well done

Superbly written! *sigh* Just on the wrong side in the first stanza. Right on in the second stanza. I'm neutral on the third! (I do thank God for an administration who believes everyone in the world would benefit by having greater freedom!)

great display of superior wit

Great all-around. Especially love the first two stanzas, definitely have some sting there. Biting sarcastic humor/commentary - wonderful!

i applaud your excellence...i love the way you address these policital issues in such an interesting and poetic way...

this rocks, max... from the view to the irony and humour and wit... you are truly a genius when it comes to writing... there is nothing else to say... kudos to you for this thought provoking, in your face, getyourmindworking piece... blessings...

The second verse is a gas Max...Charlie

now That is Wit! your title alone rocks out, then each stanza's vignette just made me smile and nod- whatta way of turning phrases! the second stanza really lives up to the title in what could happen just after your wisecrack

Great humor, irony, the powers of observation you so truly possess. The first and last stanzas are so different, the first so humorous, the last so deep, yet they are both so powerful.

Gaining control of myself after laughing my ass off from reading the first stanza, I discovered there's more...and I love it!

Congratulations for poem of the day Max...Charlie

wow, quite a roll call of a comments list! but i think this is fabulous: managing to deliver a message while at the same time retaining interesting poetic qualities. biting. ow. love!

Congratulations on POTD Max. Well deserved, for an excellent poem.

Congratulations on POTD, Max. The world is slightly askew, isn't it:P Keep on truckin'...

a great choice for POTD, indeed. after all, how many poems get 30 votes? congrats, well deserved. PK

This masterpiece goes beyond a clever title, Max, and settles in right next to profoundity. It's difficult to find the words to describe poetry of this caliber because it answers all the tough questions and leaves you with a angular brow. Congratulations on the hanging of your longhaired plaque in The Pathetic Hall of Poets. Pe4ce...

What more can I say but, "Rock on!" Socio-political statements delivered in an amusing and effective way - really enjoyed it.... d:-)

Peaceniks, so passé. Idealists are to be treated with sarcasm. They’ve been categorized, laughed at, and written off. These are our times

This is masterful Max. I can hardly add to all that's been said already but to say what immediately popped in my head, that though "nobody wants to know him, they can see that he's just a fool," it's still "the fool on the hill" who sees the "sun going down as the eyes in his head see the world spinning round". It hardly does you justice to leave you with a Beatles quote, but I do want you to know that this was such an excellent piece Max. No wonder you got POTD.

By the way, my quote isn't necessarily as relevant to your subject as I'd like, the way people behave, the patterns we follow, the things people choose to see and the things people are simply blind to. How human beings treat each other and how "brotherhood" often begins with what's common between people and not what's uncommon. Still, I acted this time to just leave the first thought instead of going on my usual rant. Oh! And here I have undone this act hahaha Again, wonderful piece ;-)

I already know I shannot, cannot stay away from your writings. You are very wise. You surely are in touch with the Ancients who know this earth. ::: blessed ground, your library :: keep it full. Wisdumb flying into favorites (((*))) —Jill

wow you really got a lot of comments on this.

I'm very glad to have chanced upon this. It is timeless, sadly, but so well expressed. The last stanza is a killer. Thank you.

this was wonderful to read! (love the title)

Lucky for me, this popped up in random favorites and the title caught my eye. This is a wonderful, compelling, sharp-toned poem that we could all learn from, even while we have a good time.

I love this poem, made me smile and I had to read it again.