deaf dancers move
to their own beat –
the music unheard by those
with blind cynical eyes
watching dumbly
in jaundiced judgement
Fugitive Fragments
by Mike McGuire
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“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
This is one of my favorite quotes 🙂
Beautiful capture of Nietzsche’s idea in your poem, Mike!
Ha, our minds think alike Anna Maria 😀 Mi agradecimiento.
Thank you, Mike, for the nice poems! 🙂
I felt very comfortable on your blog and this is how I feel when I really enjoy something 🙂
Mike: I discovered you just this morning when I saw a kind comment you left at my site (Pictured with Words). This piece of yours is a “wish I’d written it.” Brilliantly penned – capturing the beauty, spirit, resourcefulness, and yes even the ugliness residing in the human heart … and you managed it in few words. My favorite kind of poetry. Thank you for this.
Very generous words Marie Elana and your analysis of the piece is perfect. Thank you so much for this affirmation and valued feedback.
Beaut poem. It’s Nietzsche I think of when I think of my sister in law, who is deaf and has been from birth – it’s astounding and humbling to witness how freely she and her community of hearing-impaired friends move through every aspect of their lives, not hearing judgement. We don’t hear one another’s music but we have to listen for it anyway. xx
A very moving and insightful contribution that adds greater understanding to this little piece. I also note that you close with a line that the man himself would have been proud of. Greatly appreciated kk, thanks ❌⭕️
Deaf, blind and dumb.
The three monkeys of Hear No Evil, See No Evil and Speak No Evil aptly captured in a short poem.
Thank you DVH for your perspicuous interpretation and feedback.
I am taken with the way you’ve explained this one, Mike. You’re appealing to a deficiency of sight and yet we read it … irony.
Irony indeed, and a deficiency of understanding Christy. One of my favourite things about WordPress is that it populated my people whose eyes are wide open – like your good self. Thanks so much.
Reblogged this on Tales of Unwise Paths.
Appreciate this. May I reblog?
I would be greatly honoured and thank you for this additional circulation _/|\_
My pleasure. 🙂
Wonderful, dear Mike… It was said that Zarathustra was a Dancer god… ¨Thus Spoke Zarathustra!¨. Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀
You know your Nietzche Aquileana, thank you for this appreciation 🙂
I think it is a very intriguing idea.I love the way you have worded it too.
A lovely compliment Katherine Anne, I’m pleased that this has appealed to you. Thank you for your feedback.
The concept and imagery, both beautifully executed 🙂 Love this poem!
Glad this clicked with you tanvikusum, I appreciate your feedback and kind compliment.
Interesting you choose Nietzsche. While not a fan or partisan, I admit that his writings have been interpreted very ‘loosely’ by certain parties who have had half the world dancing on the wrong foot. To a tune Nietzsche himself wouldn’t have entirely approved. He might well have been one of the jaundiced observers. Lots of layers to this one Mike and lots of food for thought in so few lines.
I think that most philosophers have a screw loose Jane but they serve their purpose by forcing us to think for ourselves. Nietzsche is so provocative that he makes easy game but he was astute about the deaf dancers, “…thought to be insane by those who were watching”. I could trust you to see the layers in this Jane and thank you for not letting me down 😉
Throwing stones in glass house comes to mind.. or see the flaws in others but not your own.. Love the imagery you’ve chosen.
I pleases me greatly that you’ve gone straight to the heart of this piece Björn – thank you for this astute contribution.
“Thus Spoke Mike”… Excellent!
You humble me ladyliterati. Thank you so much.
A stunning tribute, Mike.
Thank you so much Polly – much appreciated.
I do not know what to say but I wanted to comment! Hi Mike! I like this post!
❀◕ ‿ ◕❀
I can honestly say that nobody’s ever commented that to me before MichelleMarie and thank you very much.
Well it’s true sometimes I don’t know what to say! That is why I don’t comment on many blogs! I am usually shy, but once I get to know someone I pretty much stick to them and rarely get out of my comfort. This is me doing that! Ha
I am always delighted to receive your very welcome communications MichelleMarie and urge you to keep them coming 😀
Jaundiced judgement…. love this pairing.
I’m pleased that you picked that out for mention PRL – it’s some consolation for the agonizing I went through over it 😀
Seems judgement is always biased in the most hidden of measures.
Yes, in particular the Thought Police.
Brilliant title. Brilliant poem.
Thank you Bejamin, brilliant feedback 😀
These Nietzches dancers feel the rhythm and beat of life even which the cynical eyes cannot understand. They enhance beauty and true understanding of every emotion, which touches them ; through their dance. Mike, you have done a great job describing such a wonderful moment. I truly feel, its a great tribute to them.
A perspicuous analysis Hitaishi. It is true that we should withhold our judgement until we understand what is actually happening. You have added to the value of this post with your feedback – many thanks.
Mike, this is terrific! So much wonderful commentary here, offering an opportunity for serious thought. I’m such a fan of Nietzsche, so instantly you grabbed me with your title. Then we see the “deaf dancers”, really, the visual with just those two words, lovely. Moving on to a strong contrast with “blind cynical eyes”, gracing them with “jaundiced judgement”. I absolutely love this piece in its entirety, every word selected, perfect!
Warm wishes,
Pepperanne
You overwhelm me Pepperanne! Your detailed interpretations enhance this piece and provide insight. I thank you so much for your analysis and an appreciation that leaves me blushing.
I love the idea of this Mike, it goes to something we rarely think of…life unencumbered by world noise, releasing the very essence of the soul and dancing to one’s own music. Love this.
Rare indeed H in this busy world. I’ve just started reading Russel Brand’s ‘Revolution’ and he makes the very same point as you do – that we’re too involved in reacting to external factors to be our real selves anymore. Thanks a million for this interpretation and feedback.
As I lay my head down to fall asleep, I read your poem, Michael McGuire, and pray that I always stay true to myself. Why not. A favorite response of mine. My tune. You’re deep, very deep. Your poem has rythum, my friend.
‘Deep’ was the mood of the moment Audrey – you know yourself how it works 😀 Thank you this beautifully personalized response.