At some point we all have to put our foot down and demand control of our lives and this seems to lean toward self-realization and strength, Very hearty.

Thank you

A good read, a good write, there were some wonderful lines here & I love the journey portreyed & the emotion & passion on which it is carried... Yay for you !

My fave lines:
Created by dreams
Seen in a mirror
Covered with smoke

Cheers
Cloud

... You're gonna hate this, but the thing I like most about this is the presentation. Not a single typographical error in the basket (and I looked), nothing misspelled, even the most complex sentences were oozing with logic and common sense.
In other words- the poem was ready to be approached. There was nothing inadvertent here that drew my attention away from what the poet had to say.
I realize this is probably not what you were hoping to hear. The poet would likely prefer that a reader come to his poem and come away explaining why the "content" moved him/her. The poet would like a discussion about the important pieces of "new" that he/she walked away with.
Indeed, I could do this. For decades now I have been seeking "God" in numerous way unsuccessfully. One of the ways I seek is by trying to understand the basics of organized religion (whatever that may be). I have investigated the Taoist's. I understood and appreciated what the narrator bemoaned and desired.

However, as a poet (and more importantly a teacher) who has been whining at you (and everyone else around here) about the importance of "format", the critical importance of "staging" one's poem so that nothing accidental detracts from the message I can't begin to consider anything but the reality that there ARE NO FLAWS IN THIS POEM.
Whatever Eddie had to say is what the poem enumerated. The poet said "I'd like you to look at something" and that something was the only thing there when he pointed.
Bravo Eddie, bravo. Do not let this slip away from you. You are, in my mind, a extremely talented poet, but this is the first time I've read something by you that said so in a blatantly obvious way.
wesley

I loved that line too!

I'll want to ask why the "mirror"? Is it a philosophical statement you are trying to make there? I also found this bit interesting:

"I beseech the universe
Keep my egotistic twin at bay"

the twin in there. Has that also got to do with the dreams seen in a mirror?

This poem reminded me of the last stanzas of Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind". The title set me up for the mood, and this poem reads like a heartfelt prayer to the universe (or the reflection of the universe in your soul).

The demands are noble and profound, but what I liked best was the hint of imperfection in the persona. That makes this poem a more realistic reflection of our aspirations.

I enjoyed the read.

in my terse way
Technically excellent,
content wise ho hum

I really appreciate the care and craft of the structure of this.

It is the content that bugs me, it is a supplication in prayer, not self-empowerment. You are pleading, not demanding or being. Now that conflicts with my personal philosophies and is, of course, quite valid for you. Is it? Really?

Even the title, especially with that extra e, is self-demeaning to my view. I happen to think you are more than that. You have worked hard against severe odds to become the man you are and I know your strength and perseverance, not some fantasy higher power, will see you through.

of two minds
in some ways it reads as a simple affirmation, which is not really that interesting to the reader

but in another it tells us where you 'are'
such as at
'Fortuitously I have seen the clarity
Born from self-reliance and awareness
No longer do I seek truth
In dwellings of led misconceptions...'
- which i might add are my favourite lines

i actually think this would work better as a shorter piece with more emphasis on the positives
((((smile)))) - just me
love the mirror of smoke reference
love judy
xx

'

... never write shorter poems. I love a long poem. Edit a poem if you have something you don't like or can do without, but never set out to deliberately shorten a poem. That has nothing to do with classical form... I just like long poems.
wesley