The Judgment of Men

leighton-tristan_and_isolde-1902Should men be judged by their weaknesses or strengths?

T’ would be most folly to simple accept one or another without scrutiny

When gauging what might be our criterion should it be deemed physical?

Alas but then considerations of social or emotional fortitude could factor

And what of relationships analysis, when multiple traits come together?

Weakness too might be something mighty under correct circumstances

How has history defined possessing mass a foil against mental superiority?

Men, although difficult to understand, can equally show a skill in both arenas

Where the source should be defined, and moreover whom should cast judgement?

Yet, the plague of differentiation might appear to originate with the female

When men congregate in their halls and taverns, contests are simply contests

Each proves his worth with prowess, speed, mental fortitude, or endurance

Nary has a woman taken pause from her activities of the day to even register a thought

Yet, without her ranking, the world of men stands in limbo, unfulfilled and empty

So again, should I pose the statement of questioning in another, more feminine way?

With a moment of solitude and an overt and overstated application of theatrics

Upon a knee bent and chin lowered, what should the spoken word hope to produce?

A soliloquy of verse, one with rolling imagery and moments of purest fantasy

Spoken phrases that demonstrate an investment in everything that is pure and true

Does the prostrated man emit a weakness that shall forever haunt his memories?

That might be apparent, when his actions are considered in unbalanced comparisons

Yet the scorecards of those with soft hands, warm hearts, and ruby lips say other

For as I stand here with a crumpled sheet covered in carefully scribed phrases

I find myself weakened by the mere presence of beauty and its unending artistry

Giving way to my most archaic urges, trapped feelings pour forth as water from a lake

And in a voice like softened thunder, one full of confidence, clarity, and calmness

I speak from the heart and offer my most solemn pledge, one that bonds us evermore

The Proposal. John Pettie, R.A. (1839-1893). Oil On Canvas, 1869.

In your eyes I’m forever lost

Transfixed on perpetual motion

Cascading colors and hues

I’m comforted and aroused

I so yearn to reach forward

Without rush nor pause

Gliding with an airy lightness

For to touch your skin

With no more than a fingertip

Your slight smile revealing

A permissive “by your leave”

Hair with the scent of lavender

My hands entwined

Emotions all heightened

In the presence of such beauty

And in this moment

One of utter weakness

When my thoughts are lucid

Your radiance increasing

Lips so inviting

An embrace forthcoming

Moments trapped as memories

Much to my realization

How strong I feel

My only indication

The power of love

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R J Schwartz
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R J Schwartz

I write about everything and sometimes nothing at all. I'm fascinated by old things, rusty things, abandoned places, or anywhere that a secret might be unearthed. I'm passionate about history and many of my pieces are anchored in one concept of time or another. I've always been a writer, dating back to my youth, but the last decade has been a time of growth for me. I'm continually pushing the limitations of vocabulary, syntax, and descriptive phrasing.

6 thoughts on “The Judgment of Men

  • September 20, 2016 at 4:52 PM
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    What would it all be like without the power of love and the great differences between man and woman? We would be at a loss of the most beautiful gift of all. Very nicely penned verse, Ralph. Great work – and I love your choice of images. Well done.

  • September 21, 2016 at 1:01 AM
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    Ralph, what makes some men seem weak, in other circumstances often proves to be a strength. Good verse, with delightful accompanying images.

  • September 21, 2016 at 1:16 AM
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    Nicely preempted and masterfully expressed in the adoration of the feminine and the power of love. great work Ralph. I enjoyed it all.

  • December 13, 2016 at 5:54 PM
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    Can I assume you will not be sending my articles? I have a copyright on them but as I say I had added to improve them and had not copied that since I had been assured I had plenty of time. You said you would but that has been days ago so assuming you changed your mind. I just need a yes or no.

    • December 14, 2016 at 1:26 PM
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      The tone of your comment is unnecessary – I had reached out to you on HP for an e-mail address to send them to, but you never answered me. I did capture your address from this comment and have sent them in a Word document. Have a Merry Christmas

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