The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

A Toast To the Naive

To ALL those 
who think 
their thinking 
will understand 
life and love, 
war and peace, 
hate and forgiveness, 
good and evil, 
hell and heaven...

To the intellectuals 
who loudly declare  
hope an illusion, 
belief delusion,
religion refuge 
for fools, and 
science to be 
the only true god...

To the socialists 
and communists and 
all progressive people 
who are certain 
humanity's makeover 
is just within reach, 
perfection awaits
only correct ideology, 
with justice, fairness, 
equality for all...
(as long as it's 
done their way).

To the materialists 
who are bold and brave, 
seeing death as extinction, 
life as meaningless, 
so proud, so very proud 
that they, and only they 
know the truth:
what you see is 
what you get...

A toast to all the naive, 
who see but are blind, 
hear but are deaf, 
feel but are so insensate 
of life's Spirit,
they live like mice 
in a magnificent palace...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Gentry Avatar
August 16, 2018 at 12:16 AM
Congratulations on your win. I would love to make that toast too! A fav. Thing is, they probably wouldn't get it. :)
Carber Avatar
August 16, 2018 at 9:22 AM
Thanks Susan-- it took me a lifetime to realize it, but if you can spark an 'a-ha' moment in just a single person, you've been a success. In truth, we all unseeing to some degree in this cloud of unknowing we call life.
Gaul Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 7:04 PM
L.J., a biting testament to the foolish hubris that I must admit I've harbored in my progressive ways. Certainty is the demon my friend. Your poem has a intelligence about it that is highlighted by its cutting edge. Congrats on your win. Keep inking.
Carber Avatar
August 15, 2018 at 8:07 AM
Thank you Greg, for a truly thought-filled review. As a young man I was an agnostic socialist, so sure I was right--but I could not see then how broken I was, how fearful of love, or that we all are broken, to one degree or another. As a philosopher (maybe Voltaire?) said once, if God did not exist, we would have to invent Him.
Allison Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 4:39 PM
I especially like the final stanza Len, congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
Carber Avatar
August 15, 2018 at 8:01 AM
Thanks Jan-- must confess, I'm partial to it too!
Wolf Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 9:44 AM
That is it. You have nailed it. They ARE mice!! Too bad for them...unfortunately. Best wishes, Gershon
Carber Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 9:46 AM
Thanks Gershon
Lamoureux Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 8:01 AM
I’m not sure what it has to do with the contest but either way it is an excellent poem. Congrats on your win.:0)
Carber Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 9:44 AM
Thanks Richard
Pigeon Tart Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 7:04 AM
What a poem! And that last line. An incredible ink. Congratulations on your win! xomo
Carber Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 9:44 AM
Thank you Maureen
Gauthier Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 9:57 PM
I enjoyed your take on this challenge, LJ. Congrats on your podium finish.
Carber Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 9:45 AM
Thanks Line--I guess it was a bit 'out of the box' but it seemed relevant in a way.
Makama Avatar
March 2, 2016 at 8:25 AM
What a lovely page with a profound group of words. I am loving every aspect of this piece. Thumbs up friend and a definite 7
Amadore Avatar
January 17, 2016 at 4:21 PM
"What the wise doubt, the fool believes. Who is it then that love deceives?" Louise Bogan, "Juan's Song." And just, who, really are the "naive?" Truly the "intellectuals" who fail to "see", are "blind", "hear" but are "deaf"? Or perhaps, really, the "others?" An interesting write; I enjoyed reading it.
Yuhas Avatar
January 17, 2016 at 1:55 PM
Nice Write Len, first time reading your work.
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace