The Devil's Halo, a Poem

Lots of warning to heed in this poem!

John

Loved the poem.

I loved this poem, John. One of the nicest people I've ever met -- and this is only recently, I might add -- looked like one of Hell's Angels; complete with burly arms covered with tattoos, earrings, and a chin that looked as though it was cut from granite. My first impression wasn't a very good one I'm ashamed to say. But he is such a kind and giving person, the genuine article, who taught me that we can judge a book by its cover more often than we think. Your inspiring words reminded me of this. Thank you for sharing with us.

Beautifully stated as usual sir. You are a great writer but more than that, you are a motivator. There must be hundreds of people, including myself, on Hubpages and beyond who've picked up the figurative pen and tried to write some prose and poetry because you challenged us. Thanks John.

Awesome poetry. Really nicely penned. You poetic words speak the truth.

Great poem. Love the Churchill quote and the wolf-sheep.

Along the topic, notice the movie convention where the bad guy is so often ugly or gross or fat or has an ugly snere or some other undesirable physical trait?

In my experience these are the kindest and most helpful folks on many occasions.

Fear the sharply dressed in expensive business suits that come to you with smiling faces.

Great read.

So true. They wear halos, crosses, metals of honor and other impressive and alluring things. Thanks, John.

Very lovely and inspiring message. "Do not judge the Book by its Cover" or a "Person with his Appearance". Similarly "the Politicians from their Speeches".

We need to look at the inner content or the inner heart.

Thanks, John, for this wonderful message.

Witty synthesis of philosophical adages, John. It's true that wisdom comes with age but I'm still trying to avoid world-weary skepticism (not always successfully). I'm going to use your way of drawing inspiration from the titles of books.

Well done. Many people are not what they seem to be. Interesting where you’re finding your inspiration these days.

So many lessons about life are embedded in your comparisons with these different creatures. Really good poetry!

I loved the poem especially what you mentioned about discernment. Being able to discern the motive behind the words, behind the smiles, behind the "helpful gestures," is a necessary tool for life on earth. Believe me it has saved me from being the fool- many times.

Just avoid the back-stabbed knife. Many times, they come without any warning. I don't understand why people like to make people feel bad by what they say. Your advice is good, not to allow what you hear or what you see influence you.

Very well expressed poem, with a wonderful message!

As is said, don’t judge the book by it’s cover. It’s difficult to understand, someone’s inner thoughts. Therefore, it’s better to be cautious.

Thanks for sharing another great poem!

Wonderful poem. And just this morning in billybuc's mailbag there was a question about whether an author should take the time to change the cover of a book. I detect a trend here.

John, your verses flow so effortlessly (but I assume you spend hours on these). You always provide a wonderful read, and so much to consider.

You turn each book cover into a golden stream flowing through your natural rhyming. Wise words in this poem, and I like how generic it feels, holds true for all. It feels like a lot of thought went into each line, even if it was instinctive poetry.

Wonderful poem, John, with a strong rhythm and potent message. I love this line:

"So, be yourself, don't act a part"

It's so true in a world filled with phoniness.

Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Tim

Great message, John. Not everything is as it appears to be, unfortunately.

I love the turn your muse has taken. I'm sure you have an extensive library, so she should have plenty of fuel to keep you busy!

This is a really cool poem. For some reason it made me think of people who really do change the outside to fit the inside.

Great advice in this poem, John! Also good rhythm and humour.

It's a good way of finding inspiration, using a book title. I have many in front of me and there are few which don't give me some ideas, so thanks for the suggestion.

Ann