Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Lol. Good call on not using a picture. I didn't miss it at all. And your message is so appropriate today as there are so many who want to "miraculate" not only on TV but all through the dark crevices of the internet!

 Comment Written 18-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 18-Sep-2018

Very true, Helen. Most grateful for your comments. Craig

Comment from Debbie Pope

Excellent

I still remember the comment by your wife's friend that she did not like a particular magician's magic because it was not "real." I caught your reference to "real" magic in this piece. It made me smile.
Like you, I am not a big fan of magicians. They bore me because I know it's not real.

 Comment Written 17-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Sep-2018

Oops, I think I've given the wrong impression. I totally understand what you say about being bored by magicians because you know what they're doing isn't real. That's perfectly logical. But it's not my experience. I actually love illusionists. The fact that I know what they are "claiming" to have done can't have happened doesn't put me off in the slightest from the sense of wonder I experience -- "How did he DO that?". Perhaps it's because I refuse to grow up ;-) Of course, I don't think anybody enjoys clumsy magicians, where it's obvious how they perform their tricks.

For me, the crucial difference is this. Genuine magicians - e.g. James Randi, Penn & Teller will freely admit that what they are doing isn't what it appears - it's not real. Charlatans like Carlos, Doris Stokes, John Edward, Uri Geller and every bogus "faith healer" and "psychic" ever, will try to convince you that they really are producing miracles. And they'll do it while fleecing people of of their cash. That's what my wife's friend would call "real magic".

Many thanks for the great comments, Debbie.

Comment from Dawn Munro

Exceptional

I think a blond and pompous man
would be appropriate artwork...
But then there'd be at least one fan
to mute you, say you're just a jerk... (*sigh*)
LOL
Sorry state of affairs when the leader of your nation is nothing more than a con artist... Glad we live elsewhere!!! FABULOUS poem though!

 Comment Written 17-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Sep-2018

Thanks so much, Dawn. Yes, I'm rather glad that although the government here appears to be a chain of fools, we haven't quite stooped to that level - yet. There are plenty of rogues and charlatans everywhere, though. Thank you for the wonderful rating and comments.

Comment from closetpoetjester

Exceptional

I must admit I hate a thief
Whose bullshit near defies belief
He's borderlining on a fall
Miraculating sweet fuck all
Each charlatans that sells you crap
Is oneday snared in their own trap
Yes, Craig, my friend, there's hope for us
That vehicle is the karma bus!


Your writing is SOOOOOOOOO clever Craig. You not only stimulate the reader but you teach as well.

There are a gamut of snake oil salesmen out there and it is absolutel rife online so when you buy something, you are often wondering...

Will it be the same as what they told me it was?

and of course

Will I even get it?

I think most of us have been taken for a ride at least once in our lives but how these people can lie straight in bed at night is beyond me.

I've been in business for over 30 years and I would no more rip someone off than fly up and down. I actually tend to go the other way and give better value and have at times, gone the extra mile when the customer has been wrong, wrong, wrong.

My mum always told me, it is better to have someone bring you down, than you bring someone else down.

With that said, it would be nice if the charlatans played nice for at least 3 days of the week LOL

LOVED this!

Sixer for your clever and cohesive efforts. Not to mention, originality.

Hugs P

PS I liked that you left the image blank for people to conjour up their own interpretation.
Some complete twats flashed through my mind as I read, of the charmers I've dealt with over the years and how much wiser this old owl is now haha (and a little poorer at times too LOL)

 Comment Written 16-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Sep-2018

Twice in one day? You're spoiling me!

(Oh man, how long is it since I've said THAT!?)

I've been screwed (over) by the best of them too, Phillippa. I never feel any less stupid afterwards. Once it happens enough though, we do become more cautious, and then people say we're a suspicious, untrusting, paranoid. Can't win lol

Many thanks for the wonderful comments and more shiny stars :)

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

"Miraculate!" Today's word describes it well. Those who misrepresent themselves will have to pay the price for their foolery sooner or later, I think. I like the form you've used here. Good rhyming. Marilyn

 Comment Written 16-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Sep-2018

Thanks very much, Marilyn. It would be nice to think so. Cheers, Craig

Comment from bichonfrisegirl

Excellent

Hi Craig,

This is a well crafted poem. I don't love charlatans either, but I do love to see the wonderful allusions that magicians create for their audiences. There's nothing worse than someone who will rob a person of their life's savings by fooling them into thinking that they can turn their money into riches, only to abscond with said monies. It doesn't get much lower than that!

Your message is presented in a crystal clear fashion with excellent rhyming and flow. Strong imagery is created for your reader. I liked the reference to Penn & Teller. :) I love the word "miraculate" and will try to remember it, and use it. Thanks for teaching me yet another word, Craig.

Cheers,
Connie

 Comment Written 16-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Sep-2018

Thanks so much, Connie :) I think Penn & Teller, and most illusionists, are brilliant. I love watching "Fool Us", and seeing if the contestants can pull of a trick they can't figure out. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem about the magic tricks artists perform and call it magic but in reality they trick our eyes with very fast movements and never let us find out how they do their tricks.

 Comment Written 16-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Sep-2018

Thanks very much, Sandra. I'm grateful for the continued support. Craig

Comment from Y. M. Roger

Excellent

So-o-o-o-o, tell us, Craig, how do you REALLY feel..? :) ;) LOL! A wonderful piece you have here (LOVE the seldom-used rhyme scheme - great job!)-- and one that totally sings a song to which my heart and mind can relate -- and to think I even got a new word out of the deal!! :) ;) So much crap that so many buy under the guise of religion ... and that goes for more than just tel-evangelists as you've described here! :) :)

Thank you for sharing this morning! :) Yvette :)

 Comment Written 16-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Sep-2018

Well, shucks, Yvette. Next time, I'll try not to sugar-coat it ;-)

I think it's mostly crap... but shhhhhhh, can't say that here.

Most grateful :)

Craig

Comment from Pamusart

Excellent

Hi Craig. This word's definition is too obvious. But of course I could have been wrong. True magicians have big time skills. But others like you said are charlatans. Good job on meter and rhyme. Thank you for sharing

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 Comment Written 16-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Sep-2018

Thanks so much, Pam. I absolutely agree that true illusionists are amazing :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from Robbie Yates

Exceptional

You never cease to impress. I like the rhythm you've used for this one - creative and unique, and somehow it makes your speaker's dry and ascerbic criticisms sound even better. Brilliant.

 Comment Written 16-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Sep-2018

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments, Robbie. It's probably my favourite, though not most often used, rhyme pattern... at least of the ones I can pull off. There are others I like that I haven't even attempted. Most grateful, Craig