Oh death, where is your sting?
Oh grave, where is your victory?
Oh heavens, how can you not exalt the King?
Oh my soul, how can you not praise the Lord?
As autumn creeps slowly towards wintertime,
I stop and savor the scent of sweet decay
that lingers in the evening air
and can be seen in every browning leaf.
While my neighbors decry the injustices of the day
and fret about the coming icy seasons,
my own breath becomes a song of silent profession
of my love and devotion to a risen Lord.
For my Lord and Savior has conquered death;
my Master has closed the graveyard to my entrance.
The heavens cry tears of joyous jubilation
while my soul sings sweet hymns to Jesus.
Author notes
I praise my Lord for the gift of new life that brings the peace that passes all understanding.
He is so good to us and I give Him every praise that is within me.
Lines 1 and 2 are from 1 Corinthians 15:55.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthian 15:55 - 58 KJV
graphic taken from www.natureartists.com/art/resized/289 Autumn Song_detail.jpg
Written October 3rd, 2005
In a list
- Wise Poets Society group list • next in list
- The Newly Revised Christian Group group list • next in list
A contest entry
- Poetry.....Autumn by SandraMVeinot.
425 points, ended November 26, 2007, 8 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Autumn Poetry Contest by FloridaGatorQueen.
525 points, ended September 30, 39 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
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Beautiful Poetry
What a beautiful, and inspiring poem, my friend. The Fall is my favorite season, and I think you MORE than did it justice here by this beautiful tribute to the Lord. How wonderful...the assurance from His Word that when we move from the Autumn of our life, into the Winter, that He is the resurrection, and the life, and because He conqoured death, we will, as well. Beautiful work, Poet.
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the word decry was awkward to force my mind around. It felt like a small boulder in the path of the stream, but I agree with Roy Flynn, the biblical passages didn't sound forced at all.
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Wow, incorporating passages from the bible in your poem, it is not even forced at all. It just flows so nice. Grabs your attention right away,
Great to see a christians poetry, just the spirit flowingout on paper -
So glad when I find another Christian who can write
"Your poem is breath taking." That is my emotionial response. You truly are great writer in the way you place your words. I like This best "For my Lord and Savior has conquered death; my Master has closed the graveyard to my entrance.
The heavens cry tears of joyous jubilation while my soul sings sweet hymns to Jesus."
I could never say it that well but that is just how I feel about Death.
Keep putting out poems like this and I will read them.
Jackie
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Through a glass darkly...
Paul also said. And that is me; but I like this particular saying, and you have expressed your response, in light of your convictions very well.
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Bandits Reading List !!!!
A nice touching religiestly inspired poem about the changing seasons some exceptonal imagery describing nature's autumn very well penned....George..
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inspire life
everyday is a stuggle. To busy to read especially the bible. I appreciate the passion it's inspiring. Good luck and god bless!
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Dear poet, what a beautiful poem! I immediately recognized the scripture in the first two lines, and that made me smile
This is a beautiful poem, and I love especially love who you wrapped the natural and the spiritual into one poem. This is so very touching.
I wish you all the best. Congratulations on your trophies, they're most deserved.
Best wishes,
Zach Estel. -
Personally I profess Christ, however in this poem I feel like it rings a little hollow for me. I am not a fan of things that are consistently happy go lucky.... But that is just my personal view.
However, I really like the second stanza. I think it's beautiful and expresses autumn very well.
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Bandit Reading list
Lessons from nature can prove to be examples of the faithfulness of our God and His care and provision for for His creation. This is a beautiful poem of faith and acknowledgement of God. Well done dear poet. Write On!
Brother Dennis
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Wow extremely spiritual and powerful of your faith! I love the beginning stanza! I think you did a great job, welldone with that silver! X DD
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I LOVE how you related God to the seasons, they are so intertwined so beautifully there are no loopholes in your poem, which is amazing because most poems would have flaws. But I love this, Praise be to God for the seasons eh?
(:
Keep writing!
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Absolutely beautiful work! Fall is my favorite season. The colours, the scents, the scenery all around me. It is magical in it's own write! You have written a beautifully inspiring piece here! Such wonder! Great work!
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This is very beautifully written. I love the way you mixed the love of nature and God together. I enjoyed the read!!! Thank you for entering my contest
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Great poem.
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ooooooo i just love the picture used for this piece. so beautiful! thank you for your beautifully penned entry and good luck!
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Excellent write!!!
Congratrulations1!! This was truly lovely. I do think you should have placed high. A beautil write. I love the picture. Your imagery was perfect for it. You take care, Bless you. Sandy
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awwwwwwwwwww; whenever I read of my Lord....I have a even harder time to judge poetry.....this is down right beautiful ....
Thank you for letting me read it today in this test... -
Throughout these days it was so wonderful and so delightful to see your names and wonderful poems in the list. I thank you all dearly for being a part of this contest and making 'nansie' say WoW and after reading your poems even I cried 'Wow'. Chosing just three from all those is so difficult but after all it is the part of the game. Just as a Hindi song,
"Sunte The Hum Yeh Zindagi, Ghum Aur Khushi Ka Khel Hai,
Humko Magar Aaya Nazar Yeh Zindagi Woh Khel Hai,
Koi Sab Jeete Sab Koi Haar De."
(in English)
We have been listening that life is the game of joy and sorrow,
But we came to realise that life is such a game,
Where some win all and some lose all.
I express my heart gratitude to all the poets, you all were excellent.
Thanks to all,
Aun Ali -
I was a bit confused with this one. It is beautiful but it seems to mix the seasons as you talk of Autumn and yet relate it to Easter.
Sorry I am not sure, I will have to think more about it.
Jill/Cherry xxxxx -
Praise to the Lord for the gifts that He gave to all selflessly with no personal desire, neither does He take credit for that although He Deserves All Credits.
All the best in the contest. -
excellent write
this is so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. I especially like this part:
While my neighbors decry the injustices of the day
and fret about the coming icy seasons,
my own breath becomes a song of silent profession
of my love and devotion to a risen Lord.
No matter what a day brings, Jesus is there for me.
this expresses love for Jesus so clearly. Reads easily and smoothly. I love this poem! Keep writing!!!
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Wow, this was amazing. I loved how you made this sound just like something straight out of the Book of Psalms. And your imagery is excellent, too. And I really loved this stanza:
"While my neighbors decry the injustices of the day
and fret about the coming icy seasons,
my own breath becomes a song of silent profession
of my love and devotion to a risen Lord."
Even in the seemingly hard and difficult times, we as Christians can still give praise to our Lord and Savior. And you've portrayed that wonderfully here. Keep writing, and good luck in the contest! -
For my Lord and Savior has conquered death;
my Master has closed the graveyard to my entrance.
The heavens cry tears of joyous jubilation
while my soul sings sweet hymns to Jesus.
truely it brings the light in this heavy darkness.. a great work here..
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An absolutely gorgeous piece. It speaks volumes on the seasons and of life itself. Wonderfully written, it took me there
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Such wonderful thoughts you share in these lines - love the picture you chose for this poem as well - a lovely psalm of praise you have penned.
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very much a psalm......and as that it is great
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Beautiful, beautiful poem! I really enjoyed it. Thanks for entering my contest!
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What a beautiful sing of praise and Salvation to our Lord. The Assurance we get from Him is a blessing none can compare. Very nice. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sam
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Your passion for God is very apparent in reading this poem, and I like the way you bring together spirituality and the changing seasons. The 'death' of nature in fall can certainly remind us that Jesus defeated death.
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Life springs forth from death and I think you showed this beautifully here... for the death of the sweet, delicious green of spring and summer will give birth to new life in the year to come.
This is really a wonderful psalm. Written with such serenity and grace that it gives the reader a sense of sweet peace. You did a wonderful job with this. ~Melissa -
A true psalm you have written here, full of symbol and image. So nicely done. I have to tell you the title pulled me in. I am not big into religious writes, but I love the autumn theme.
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This reads like it comes out of a book of prose found in the pocket on the back of pews in church. I enjoy the content and intention, but it read a bit dry. I applaud your efforts, though.
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I don't know what to call this..an ode or just a poem... but in any way...You got it all correct...
I love this transition of the weather though it is not present here in our country...Though it is cold it feels warm to me...
Very exxalting for our Lord.. I'm glad you acknowledged the Bible..God bless you in the contest.
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Well this poem was not what I expected. It is a very nicely written piece. The format is following something I would see in a hymn book at church. I myself not really religious but study many forms of enlightenment. There really is nothing to improve on here. It portrays the intensity of your faith and the joy you feel when you have faith in the love of the lord. Very nice poem I commend you. Thank you for sharing. Remember always pen from the heart and you shall never write wrong.
~SongByrd -
This is a nice write that exemplifies the way Jesus christ overcame death on the cross of calvary.Believers can savour the joy of this victory to possessing their possessions.
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Of course the first two lines are from the Bible - 1 Corinthians 15:55. I will add that to my author notes!
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Part of this writing is not original (at least the 1st 2 lines). Please give credit to you source.
Otherwise I liked this writing very much. -
Excellent
Beautifully written as always.."In a clear voice he spoke" comes to mind.I am delighted to see you posting
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Wow, captivating and imaginative. A real image piece, here. I loved it, it took me in so many different directions and provoked so many thoughts without detracting from the piece or confusing me. A great, great write that you should be proud of. Thank you for sharing this. It's been lovely.
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Your work was very uplifting. Faith is such a great gift, and the way you tie that in with the vivid imagery of the seasons (fall and winter) is beautiful. Well written.
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Beautiful imagery, beautiful expression of your faith.... Becky
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This is a beautiful piece and very uplifting! i like how you mention about conquering death. i also like how you refer to the smells of fall as "the smell of sweet decay"~this is a creative line. well done!~becky
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great poem
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This poem stimulated many senses. I could see, smell, feel... I really like the flow and imagery. This is quite well written.
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this was a very well written piece...I truly enoyed reading it...thanks for posting...miranda
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Autumn has always been a time when I've wondered how people can deny that there's a God. Could mere chance create something so vibrant and beautiful? I think not. But I think you totally captured that in this poem, the imagery was totally amazing. Great write!
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After a really rock past several months, I am now looking to a bright future with a wonderful man. I know he is a gift. All things have lead up to this, for me and for him. I believe God takes care of us, maybe not right when we think he should, but the end product will prove that He is there, and He does care about our happiness. nice write.
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beautiful
This is a great poem. I do love autumn, but not the fact that winter is coming. I try to enjoy the season, though, it is just sooo pretty with all the colorful leaves! Seasons like fall make me wonder how some don't believe in God. He is right in the beautiful colors!
Lovely write. It is very well done!
Krista
Edited on Oct 07, 5:49 p.m. because ''. -
"sweet decay" There is sweetness even in death and light even in darkness. How a thing is perceived relies on the perceiver. Great write and good luck with the contest
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A+
Wow, that is awesome, I hope you will enjoy your successful future. -
I really enjoyed ther first three stanzas, they reminded me of autumn and how it is such a spiritual time. The last stanza took a dramatic turn away from nature and into mythology, away from the reflective, beautiful and natural setting you gave to me. I think if you could have somehow said what you said in the last stanza without saying it so bluntly, or using more imagery. That may have been better. Don't take this in the wrong way, I like all of it... I just don't think the last stanza fits this poem, it would definately work somewhere else. Unless you wanted to make a dramatic shift, in which case... I don't get it. Good on you!!! Blessed be
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praises be to the Father.thank you for penning such heartfelt devotion in such an eloquent and sincere voice.all has been said and the astuteness of the viewers convey the magnitude of your words.praises be ot the Father.
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I definitely wouldn't go so far as to call it bland...it is quiet, though, and kind of contemplatative. I do like the way you've turned around the traditiona fall poem, and twice no less. Most people write about the beauty of fall, and you write about its death; to most, death is a negative thing, but you've turned that around to look at it's positive side. I think it's a good, uplifting message and, even though some of the lines sound a little cliche, the overall picture isn't bad. I'm not so sure I like the abrupt stylistic change between the archaic exhaltations of stanza one and the calmer, free-versier stanza two; overall, I like the second stanza more, simply because the archaic exhaltations has been done and over done by so many already. A suggestion I can offer is this: the word psalm literally means song, so psalms usually have a nicely metered, sometimes evey rhyming form. It wouldn't take much for you to change this into a true song-form, the type that can be sung, and it would enhance the psalmy feeling. But that's my own opinion, and I'm certainly not omniscient Overall, I like the feeling this piece left me with and the message, so that's all well and good
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Beautiful! God Bless You!
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i agree with rancid egg pile!
it's GOOD
GR8 work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keep it up! -
this was excellent. the picture at the top of the page really captured the essence of autumn, and so did your writing. the way you put everything was excellent, sorry i can't think of abetter way to say that. way to go, keep up the good work!
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This is simply amazing, I love the enlightenment in this, beautiful picture. Amazing job, and keep it up.
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Wow! Well this must be written extremely well to make an atheist such as me feel moved by the words. You have done an excellent job with this poem.
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This is a really nice poem to run across it make's one feel the love of our Jesus and what he has done for each one of us,given his life for us who could ask for more?no one.love your poem please keep them a coming .
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reminds me a lot of Rainer Maria Rilke..
love his work and now you are a new fav.
keep the ink flowing
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Exquisite Truth
Oh, Joanne, this is an incredibly beautiful praise to our awesome Lord and Saviour as well as bringing home the beauty of autumn: really, of all the seasons! For while it might appear things are dying, they do rise again: an example of God's power and incredible grace. This is worthy of the gold, as far as I'm concerned.
Lots of love and hugs, B♥nnieQ 
Edited on Oct 05, 9:40 because ''. -
A wonderful work of praise and adoration. Lovely in image and phrase.
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good
Turning our thoughts from the dreariness of autumn to the thoughts of renewed life,the resurrection of our Lord, and praise was a refreshing idea. -
Lovely picture and a lovely poem to go with it. Praises are conveyed to us and we feel your love and devotion through the words.
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bono
bravo agian, i jsut keep on rereading it -
awe inspiring. i have felt this attitude towards death, yet have not been able to express it. you have truely done so with this work.
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Truly a moving hymn for the soul... Two thumb
Awesome, a truly moving masterpiece... "For my Lord and Savior has conquered death;
my Master has closed the graveyard to my entrance.
The heavens cry tears of joyous jubilation
while my soul sings sweet hymns to Jesus." Each door opens to another passage Excellent works!! Two thumbs up!! Wishing you and yours much success in all of your endeavors
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excellent writing
Beautiful poem of your love for the Lord and the beauty he has created around us. I enjoyed reading this very much.
etherealforu
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excellent
This poem should be a hymn. It so beautiful in praise to our
Lord and is so true. Most of us grumble about silly things,
instead of simply enjoying those "little" gifts that surround
us everyday. God bless you for this poem... Luanne -
i like it...even though im not into organised religion...but lets not get into that here...its a beautiful poem
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A truly very lovely piece!! I loved this one!!!! I thought that the entire poem about autumn is beautiful, and also your religious spin on it made it so truly original! I really really liked this stanza, since it captured a sense of death in the autumn that really never entered my mind.
"As autumn creeps slowly towards wintertime,
I stop and savor the scent of sweet decay
that lingers in the evening air
and can be seen in every browning leaf."
Also,
"For my Lord and Savior has conquered death;
my Master has closed the graveyard to my entrance.
The heavens cry tears of joyous jubilation
while my soul sings sweet hymns to Jesus."
is a great stanza, for the essence of God that you created is wonderful!! In addition, I love the picture that you posted before your poem, very beautiful as well as a lovely addition to the poem, putting lovely colors of Fall and getting the reader into that "Autumny" mood. Great job!!
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A masterful write, indeed! I really enjoyed the flow in the words; and I think it shows a new level of maturity as a Christian poet.
Let us exalt the Lord! He lives indeed! -
amazing
Oh yeah the autumn season......my favorite time of the year. The way you described Him in relation to the fall season is flat out incredible. We tend to forget that it's because of Him that we're down here so we have to stay true to him by any cost. We also have to stay true to ourselves and live accordingly. Anyway, good write and can't wait to read more in the near future.
~Willie~ -
He is more than just good to us. But we have to learn to be good to ourselves, and not fall to the society of sin. We know what His teachings say, we know how He would want us to live. So we have to stand up to the preasures of society and live our lives for Him. nice write.
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Wow....This is great....A great way to praise the Lord most High....Beautifully written....I love the imagery you use throughout the poem...Materful....Glory to the Lord Our God...Thanks for sharing....Keep writing and praising the Lord..
Mandi Burleson -
Glorious!!!
A great adulation to the King Of Glory!
Written with great reverence and affection!
The images were bold and powerful. Reminiscent of the Kingdom of God and of Heaven! Glory to His name!!!! Peace and Blessings
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Joane, I am so impressed how you are able to word things so beautifully and just make me step back and go "ah...I wish I had said that". It's always a treat to read your verses. I hpe you re having a good school year-love, vj
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Very devotional and nice verse. The words flow well. I would have likes to have seen more of a tie in with autumn but different strokes so they say. Thanks for the words.
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Thank you for your criticism and kind comment. I was trying for symmetry by answering the first stanza with the fourth - ie,. death, grave, heavens and soul. The problem is that I am using Biblical quotes in the first stanza and my own words in the last stanza so there is the change in voice. I sure wish my own voice was as eloquent as the Biblical language. I know what you mean though and I will work on this. Blessing and thanks! - joanne
Edited on Oct 04, 3:45 p.m. because ''. -
Although I am not religious, I do think this is a beautiful piece. On a technical point (personal preference and far from being expert), your first stanza seems to have such flow and grace and rhyme. The rest of the piece is great but did you consider doing the last stanza in a similar style to the first, give it some symmetry? Just a thought. Please feel free to critique my work, I'm always after constructive comments. If you don't think I'm being constructive, IM me and let me know. Cheers for sharing!
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I like this poem, it says a lot about your faith, thats a good thing, some people have no faith, but that you do, makes me like you not just as a person but as a poet also. Good work on this piece. pen on poet
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i love Autumn, its my favorite season, so it was great to read a poem like this. You captured the season very well and it was creative. great work
Peace
Molly -
9 The Highest Number in the Universe
You see? This is what happens when our souls pick up the pen and push the flesh aside.
When I think of each season, it reminds me of a race track (except there is no one to race) rather each season runs to pass the baton to the other. In this instance, Autumn-so you observed- is in transition from itself to Winter.
And I magnify God for this poem because you have described the dematerialization that takes place in Autumn and in bickering. All is seasonal and I am glad to see this stanza:
"While my neighbors decry the injustices of the day,
and fret about the coming icy seasons,
my own breath becomes a song of silent profession
of my love and devotion to a risen Lord."
Excellent.
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Beautifully written, and it speaks strongly from the heart. I'm not a Christian myself but I'm sure that any Christian who read this would enjoy it and feel very drawn to it.
I also adore the picture you've used. It's absolutely gorgous. -
This is absolutely beautifully written! A wonderful tribute to your faith. It would be perfect in a book of prayers and psalms! I look forward to reading more of your inspirational poetry.
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Of all the modern day psalms I have read, this is the most special. Thank you so much for sharing. I really, really like how many people decide to write Psalms, they are such excellent forms. Thanks again. Lots of <3.
ProdigalPoet -
Written well.
I came back to bookmark and send page to chaplain who is having surgery on Friday. -
Not quite my thing, but as an unbiased critiqe, I should say that I can see it is a beautiful piece of work. You DESERVE recognition.
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I am so honored. Thank you my friend. Love and hugs - joanne
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this is really beautiful, first two lines reminded me of John Donne's sonnet "death be not proud". I really enjoyed this!
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That is absoultely beautiful. It is better than anything I will ever write I'm sure.
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A wonderful tribute, it should be an epiphany to many very nicely done
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Beautiful and needed.
This is indeed very wonderful to read and well I must send to my friend chaplain who will be having surgery on Friday. Thanks for this powerful poem to send to her. -
as the host of this contest is well aware , I am not personally a very religious person , however I must give credit where credit is due and you wrote a wonderful and touching tribute and affirmation of your Faith. I wish you the best of luck in this contest,
Reenie
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The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1 NIV). Nature does cry praise the creator. The seasons declare that the dead will rise
Nicely done psalm. -
Beautiful write, and I just love the pic..it goes with this write nicely...keep up the good work...
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Amen, and wow, this was really beautiful. :-) It's true..injustice and other problems seem so important, but when you look at the world knowing there is so much more to it than what we see, that there is a God with a purpose in control of it all, life suddenly is so much more beautiful. Even death is no longer something to fear, but something to look forward to.
Fall is a beautiful season..thank you for painting it so beautifully and with such a wonderful perspective! -
Hi, very beautiful, this is a wonderful write my friend, it has a wonderful feel, and the flow is smooth, I could not help but to take a copy of the pic,all the best my friend, and God bless, hugs Di
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