Hi, Elle,

I had to read this a couple of times (okay three) before I was able to see who the characters were in the story. I had to separate out "you" from "I", but I've got to tell you that once I got who is who, the whole thing hit like a bag of bricks. The third read, where everything comes together, becomes as much fun as having solved a challenging riddle or a great mystery.

I think this is beautifully written, also. Just the right amount of profanity, and when I grasped the single POV that lies at the heart of this fine piece, it came across as one of those breath-taking, eye-opening moments where one second, nothing seems makes sense, but the next, it all makes too much sense.

I feel the touch of an accusatory pointed finger that applies to so many of us. Which is why even the title of this work is positively brilliant. The beautiful double entendre of who is actually passing judgement on whom. And we realize, uncomfortably for some, that as we judge, so too, are we judged. All of this verbally pitch perfect with its skillful placement of expletives and opulence.

The affluent among us who read this powerful poem cannot be reminded too often, of how we strut and dance through the congestion of less fortunate souls who watch us with envious eyes. Or are we the ones to be pitied? Such are the ambiguities of epiphanies.

Definitely one of the better poetic works that describes the eternal struggle of human inequities. The poem format works so well here because while books and numberless essays have been written about this and similar disparities between poverty and wealth, a brief, free-verse account throttles us with most, if not all, of what we ought to understand sans any additional enlightenment.

Well done, my friend, on a piece that tackles a subject to which it is always hard doing justice. I love the complexity that is so deftly disguised as simplicity. Or is it the other way around? Ah, that indeed is where the fun begins. Before a shroud of guilt rightfully dampens our misplaced joviality. Or sure did mine. I challenge others to see what they think.

Unfortunately anyone who reads this will likely have their surprise spoiled by this review, which is a risk we take in reading reviews before reading the actual work itself. If reviews had their own titles, I'd have given this the banner of "Read the Poem First!"

That said, another quick "Bravo!" is definitely the right ending.

Bob

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My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .