Window to the Soul

[NovaSpace888]

Thanks for sharing your insightful and lovely poems Jennifer, you are truly a gifted writer and performer.

I really love this poem, you always find a really creative way of expressing really interesting thoughts and concepts.  ^^

Nova

[GAIASDREAMER]

Really touching and beautiful poem. You have a pure gorgeous voice too. Thank you so much for this poem.

[noisetteflare]

lovely job!

[HailRasec]

Beautiful

[PerthPete1]

Excellently spoken.

Cleverly written and observed.

[vee00Roar]

I agree excellent observation.

[1GOD1JESUS]

beautiful, how do i keep the shutters open long enough to invite our souls to meet?

[peebzzz]

I like your poetry, but I think it is more the read than heard sort.

I don't think I put that very well, what I mean is in a book I think it'd be ace, but if you stood up at a poetry night I don't think it would work.

I could be wrong.

Either way. The poetry itself is good =]

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Pennie! =) I've always thought my poetry seemed a bit stale on the page but improved when read aloud - now I will have to reconsider that, hehe! Perhaps it depends on how we read in our heads ^^

[MrMidas13]

@peebzzz ur wrong

[mangosr4me]

I am always in awe of your perception and your use of poetry as vehicle to relate your thoughts such stunning imagery and meaning. The beauty of your words are only matched by your presence. One of your fans.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much Fritz =)

[mangosr4me]

You are quite welcome! It was really sweet of you to actually reply. You made my day!!! I am looking forward to more your explorations into our hearts and soul. I rejoice at your unique, unapologetic brand of prose/poetry. You're quite enchanting. Take care.

[thedemonoftwilight]

i once met your gaze as you met mine

and with that glance our souls entwined

.......ok that was my cheesy attempt at some poetry i fail lol anyways you know i relaized that your voice is very good naturally for poetry reciting its awesome good work sis it was very beautiful hearing you recite this *applaudes*

[goth1agw1omw]

Edgar would be proud

i know i am

[samsarajade]

That was brilliant! I really enjoyed it.

[Shipskeel]

It was going along very nicely until you said "between ones self and I"... Huh? WHAT? between "I"? You still need correct grammar even when writing a poem. How about, "between ones self and me" ? That is actually correct. Not very lyrical, but it is correct. Bad grammar in a poem will shut the ears of most listeners.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

There is a different between poor grammar and the manipulation of grammar rules when writing poetry. I recommend reading "Teaching the Art of Poetry" which has a beautiful chapter on the freedom of poetry from the conformation of grammar and how a poet can express themselves not only through their ideas and word choice but also in the way they choose to use or alter grammar to suit their higher purpose and intent. My use of "oneself and I" was done purposefully and I would not change it.

[MrMidas13]

@Shipskeel shut up

[nordicsky]

"We shift, and drop, and dart our gaze

Once more to look away

And close the shutters

Of our soul

Until some other day. "

I like the rhythm the word and the ideas encompassed in this poem.

You are a star.

Regards, Peter

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much Peter! =)

[clayLavl]

That soul-exchanging, intense, engaging

Dance between our eyes...

yep.

[Lost0Poet]

wow you've touched on my one big "fetish" if you will, the eyes being the windows of not only the soul but a view into the life of the mind gazing outwards, you never stop amazing me :) thanks

[personalimagery]

I adored these words, your choices. I learn a lot from your videos, and love the images in your words... at times, so ephemeral.

[hpswin2002]

very nice, tanks for the scripts, there are lots of hard words in this poem which I haven't heard before. but now I learnt them.... your imagination is great.... 5 :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much Perin! ;) I've never done any theater work but I do love watching plays and films. I really enjoy reciting and reading aloud though - I think it is something that stemmed from my love of listening to storytellers as a child =)

[hpswin2002]

it'll be great if you put the words in description too cause my listening is not so good so I don't understand some parts. thanks :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

I'll add them in there now, thanks for the suggestion! =)

[nicoleishappy]

Very beautiful

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks nicole!

[FuturesPassed]

As usual, not only do you write an amazing poem, but you can recite it as if it were an important, moving part of a play.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you very much! =)

[zebidee55]

I wonder if we were to try and stare into eachothers' eyes, who would break the gaze first? An interesting thought.

[curse the YT notification system for not telling me of this one!!!]

[TheRavenOfPoe]

I am almost certain it would be me, hehe!

[zebidee55]

I think you're right! Now go to bed!  ;P

[TheRavenOfPoe]

waiting and uploading and converting files...then bed, hehe

[zebidee55]

LOL! I thought I was on my way there, but then I saw an interview posted!

Eep! You filmed the entire thing?! Off to see if I can make it through Part 1 tonight...

[fuzzycabin]

That was lovely. :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you very much =)

[dagocleo]

a window to the soul ! that was a beautiful rendering and your eyes were so expressive that they seemed to touch out to my soul as well !

take care,

DC

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you DC!

[suuzzee5]

Very, very lovely! Thanks to wcdiii for sharing your video with me.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks Suze!

[BigPrairieDude]

Very nicely done. After my muffed cataract operation one eye wanders, and sees something else besides this world. Now I suspect it is a window to somewhere else. Thank you for the thought. Great poem.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

A window to somewhere else is a beautiful idea =) love it

[tinySpectacle]

What a great poem this is. Nicely done.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much! =)

[kimlea69]

words worth repating...well done......kim

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you kim!

[lifewithbeenie]

absolutely beautiful! and soooooo true! you're very creative!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks Beenie! YouTube is a wonderful creative outlet ^^

[viking250972]

Perfect!!!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you! =)

[Yakovich]

That was very black and white with shades of grey.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, true on several levels I hope!

[LoveeMe2Times]

Wow, So well expressed and how true.

Great video.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you very much! =)

[garpgump]

Jen, one of the more interesting things I did in my early collegiate years was to, as part of a sociology experiment, stare into a classmate's eyes for 5 minutes straight ... without talking, without excessive facial expressions, without looking away. Five minutes is a long time to look into another's soul. I think I'm still somewhat in love with her.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

That is a beautiful memory, Bret =) Thank you for sharing it! I think the world would be a far better place if we all tried that experiment from time to time

[johnnymoondog]

Very good poem !

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks! =)

[SunnyDazStormyNitz]

Beautiful poem Jennifer.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you very much Sunny and Stormy!

[tootsieblues]

lovely and read with great clarity thankyou for share Dennis.  / val.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you, val!

[smartbluecat]

That was so beautiful and poignant . Great job.

:o)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you! =)

[DocKnowz]

Thanks Shawny. You were right. Very nice...Doc

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks doc!

[DoubleODude]

with that voice you could read the phonebook and I would listen.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, thank you!

[austinsplace1]

Thank you PerinSmith for sharing.

Wow! A poem so deep and it's beautiful. Thank you... endless stars!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much! =)

[alexandraxxxxxx]

im so glad dennis sent me your way ...this is so wonderful....;0)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

so am i =) Thank you alexandra!

[alexandraxxxxxx]

#2 - Top Rated (Today) - People & Blogs - Australia

#66 - Top Rated (This Week) - Australia

#12 - Top Rated (This Week) - People & Blogs - Australia

#69 - Top Rated (This Month) - People & Blogs - Australia

dennis thx u for sharing this beautiful poem ..x

[alexandraxxxxxx]

Honours for this video (12)

#17 - Most Discussed (Today) - Australia

#6 - Most Discussed (Today) - People & Blogs - Australia

#100 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Australia

#23 - Most Discussed (This Week) - People & Blogs - Australia

#30 - Top Favourited (Today) - Australia

#4 - Top Favourited (Today) - People & Blogs - Australia

#29 - Top Favourited (This Week) - People & Blogs - Australia

#13 - Top Rated (Today) - Australia

[uncledave10]

THanks for send Shawny , Very good reading :o)tm *****

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks dave!

[revnazaright]

love you!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you revnazaright!

[harleynanda]

An excellent poem, Lady Raven; eloquent in both its write and recitation, and that delivered with grace. I love your meter and rhyme scheme, both giving a lively and flowing stride to your thoughts, wonderfully apropos in describing that dance of human interaction, behavior, and nature upon meeting. "...their crystalline heart and velvet mind...", wonderful imagery capturing the quick of our bravely reluctant chancing in the endeavor. A lovely piece and quite alive. Favorited this, of course.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much, Michael! =)

[ASAngelo]

As I attempt to catch my breath I will type my first thought.

Splendid! Impetuous perfection usually takes some preparation. Nevertheless, this is exceedingly well crafted visually, verbally not to mention the wordplay. It falls into me with a natural vigour.

You again have a great poem here Miss Raven and well delivered. Forgive me if I must favourite this.

Truly.^^

Anything worth doing takes a measure of courage. It is then that we are often very much alive.

Angelo, A.S.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you deeply, dearest Angelo =)

[fiwaszewski]

thank you for sending this my friend, wonderful!!!

~GS~GHOSTSeekers

[TheTriangleChannel]

I like it. You find me thunderstruck and galvanized by your words. Thank you.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you!

[LoveMattersMost]

"..that soul-exchanging, intense, engaging dance.." Beautiful rythms and words! I can't help but think they would make beautiful lyrics for a song too! The greatest part of the poem reminded me of dialogue in a Shakespearean Play! And the dramatic darkening and withdrawal of your gaze and features was a perfect example of the power of the gaze, and the sadness at it's loss.

*******

I'm glad you chose to post this Poetry Drama. These situations are the "little things" which really move me.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you Brian! I too am especially moved by things that are often overlooked ^^

[samma]

You're so talented! I love this :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks samma! ^^

[LoveMattersMost]

Jennifer, I love the way you examine things that form the subtle parts of our lives, like eye-contact. Or long ago, you examined the discomfort of two strangers sitting on a bench, waiting for a bus. But, isn't it true, that these are the things with the most emotions and feelings attached? Emotions are like the rivers flowing underground in our lives. You are so good at Divining them and exploring them! : )

[TheRavenOfPoe]

So are you, Brian! Your comments are always beautiful and insightful - it means a lot to have feedback like that on my own pieces =)

[MrDaMan]

Awesome Raven. 5* and playlisted.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you for that honour! =)

[Falados99]

Wow very good raven :) keep up great amazing work

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Dylan! =)

[obi1isdabestubet]

simply amazing. once again raven you have done it. and i thank you so much again

[TheRavenOfPoe]

My thanks to you also, dear friend =)

[LoveMattersMost]

You are right! The soul is a subject where the Poet is still in advance of the Scientist: The Scientist says, "There is no soul. Because I have never distilled one in my flasks and retorts." The Poet says, "The soul lives! look into my eyes if you dare! and tell me then,  it is nothing that you see! "

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Beautifully put Brian! =)

[GnosticSoul11]

Awesome!, Raven...........

GS-

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks GS!

[dashpoet]

A beautiful clip. Thank you.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Mark! =)

[blueastcoast]

awe, sad.. It's too bad that a lot of people don't have the courage to talk to a stranger, or someone they like, when they probably feel the same way themselves towards you..

Excellenté

[TheRavenOfPoe]

The silver lining perhaps is that it makes the occasions that people do overcome these invisible barriers very special indeed ;)

Thank you Jordan!

[Fennias]

Excellent as always!

El Bog

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much! =)

[wytherwings]

wow, that was really good. beautiful

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Camille! =) I love your username!

[wdciii]

This is the BEST yet! 5*'s and to the favorites! BRAVA! -Dennis

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much Dennis! =) I'll see if I can top this one some day hehe!

[janeczka]

Excellent. Love it!!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Janeczka! =)

[EasyRaoul]

5 *****

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Raoul! Hope you're doing well! =)

[EasyRaoul]

Yes, Jen! Thanks too!

Bless ya heaps!

[benzone50]

fine! very fine!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Ben!

[johnnyfnhollywood]

It is I

Who also may be shy

but alas

I would kill somebodys dog or something to git wit You and Your fascinating art

[TheRavenOfPoe]

I do like canines very much, please spare them, hehe

[stars1861]

Good job.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thank you!

[taliajazel]

i really enjoy your poems, i don't have to think to understand them, and that's true poetry

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much Taliajazel! Your comment means a great deal to me =) I also believe that the best poems are those in which the poet had to do an awful lot of thinking but that in the end the poem speaks to the audience without making them have to do the work over again, hehe ;)

[solverh]

As always, ... wonderful!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks!!

[thetubemeister]

it's hard to say this in a good way but...

I loved the fade to black at the end :)

what came before it was equally meaningful :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Grant! I initially tried having the ending disappear into a peephole but then tried the fading to black and the effect was much better - as if the observer has just closed their own eyes ^^

[TheRealGentleman]

Beautiful poem, and great subject matter for one!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Brian! It is a subject that has long fascinated me =)

[TheRealGentleman]

Me as well.

Eye contact, in my experience, usually seems to create discomfort more than anything. I'm not sure if this is smiling too much, not enough, or if I just look creepy in general, but it always seems to end with me or them getting freaked out before too long.

[frumpyframpton]

I always knew you had shifty eyes =p Lovely, as usual =]

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe! Takes one to know one is something they say also you know..lol ;)

[TheReceptionist]

Thank you...that was great.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

And thank you too! ;)

[Redfrettchen]

Wow, really beautiful :)

I've been thinking of that behaviour, never to look strangers, or even friends in their eyes for too long. I remember having read articles about that some years ago.

One of them stated: the longer you look at something, the better you like it, which works for objects and for faces equally.

The other one was about an experiment, where pairs of test persons had to look in each others eyes for five minutes. Lots of them became couples afterwards...

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Thomas! I love the idea of that experiment with having people gaze at each other for five minutes - and the result it had! =)

[joshstevens76]

I was just thinking about you today (not in a creepy way, I promise:), and I realized that we had not heard from you in a long while. Good to see you again, and what a beautiful poem!!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Mike! I was indecisive for quite some time about which piece to post next or whether to do a vlog instead. But last night suddenly this piece urged me to recite it, hehe

[dadasopher]

well said and well spoken.

sometimes i don't realize

i've looked a stranger in the eyes

until they jerk their head away so hard

it flies off their shoulders

[TheRavenOfPoe]

hehe, I can quite imagine it!

Thank you! =)

[mithiaur]

"Soul exchanging..." nice:)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

That is one of the first lines I wrote of this poem even though it is now near the end, hehe. It all ran from there =)

[EdEditz]

Beautiful. You have a real talent for poetry Jen. When are you going to publish a poetry book?

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Eddy!! =) Mm maybe one day that would be a fun thing to try and do ^^

[xpoc]

wow that was great. I was very impressed by the performance. Keep them coming. :)

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thanks Robert! A side effect I didn't think about when deciding to share more of my writing on YouTube is that I might improve in delivering the pieces too, but I do feel a bit more at ease around video cameras now =)

[yowee1234]

Beautiful poem. Everything you recite is always lovely.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much, yowee =)

[prosepp]

fascinating !!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Eduard!

[LatoyaNaomi]

So pretty! Keep up the good work!

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you Latoya! I have always found the eyes being the "window to the soul" an interesting and beautiful expression and could not resist writing it into this poem =)

[dannideetz]

this is so beautiful ^_^

[TheRavenOfPoe]

thanks danni!! =)

[tjmuller]

Good poem. I always look people in the eyes, it freaks them out I think. They just aren't used to it. Unless of course they have a lazy eye... then it's hard.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Eye contact has always fascinated me - in some instances it is rude not to meet someone's gaze and at other times they can't stand it for long if you do look at them. And it differs not only due to context and different cultural norms but also by personal preferences, hehe!

I think we could all do with a little more looking people in the eyes these days though ^^

[RowanFortuneWood]

Excellent poem and performance, 5*

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you very much, Rowan! =)

[DavidRandallCurtis]

Beautiful poem Raven... 5* and fave :)

Oh... and did I mention I was FIRST? :P

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Thank you David! =) Not only first but first and second, hehe!

[DavidRandallCurtis]

First! I know that is a totally dorky thing to write! :p