A farmer took his wheat to sow the field,
but some he cast where seeds could never grow.
The path, the stones and thorns returned no yield,
the fertile ground grew all that he could throw.
Upon the path, the birds ate all the seed;
among the stones, the seedlings quickly died.
Beside the field, the thorns were stronger breed,
they choked the life from grain he cast aside.
The land prepared for seeding grew so well,
the harvest proved the worth of sowing grain.
The farmer reaped enough, and more to sell
for thirty to a hundred times in gain.
The wisdom handed down through teaching tales
has come to us, the Word that never fails.
When as a child I heard, I didn't know
that learning was required, I saw no lack.
The words that fell upon me couldn't grow,
as seeds for birds to eat upon the track.
Another time with joy in what I heard,
I sprouted up, yet just as quickly quit.
A third time, though I understood the Word,
I then had obligations tightly knit.
Each spring the farmer sows his seed again,
and like him, I believe our Lord persists.
When God has made of me a fertile plain,
my harvest shall be rich, for he assists.
It took me forty years or more to see
that every place he threw the seed was me.
Author notes
Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23
Written May 5th, 2006
In a list
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Comments
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What a beautiful piece of writing to tell one of the most wonderful stories in the Bible. I really liked how you told this. terrific job.
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Margaret,Margaret this is simply gorgous and so fitting for the contest.Of course I figured your entry for this portion of the accumulator would be strong ,and I was indeed correct.Congrats on you trophy,you certainly deserve it....Doc
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Dear Hugh, while this was entered in a contest, I removed your numeration. It is now restored.
Edited on Jul 18, 10:26 p.m. because 'update'. -
Thank you Mary. One of the endearing traditions in my local church is that ordinary parishioners take over the lectern in the season of Lent to describe their faith journeys. This year, though I was not a speaker, I made the connection of this parable with my life. I'm happy it spoke to you.
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Oh Margaret! You have taken one of my favorites of all Christ's parables and encased it in an extraordinary poem. The meaning is expressed beautifully. I am so glad I stopped here today because this was a treasure to find. Your conclusion is profound and the melody is perfection.
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Thank you for your comment and applause, Pozo. I'm happy you like this.
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Good flow here I liked the retelling of this story
Keep writing, I like how you also wove your personal tale in here Nice use of rhyme and sibilance
All the best
Pozo
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Thank you for your insight, Rod. I'm glad you enjoyed this, it was a long time in creation.
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How very truly spoken, lady! Indeed our travail is but the preparation of our soil to receive the eternal seed cast so lovingly bythe Father. And in any given day we may be anyand all of the places the seed may fall, for the sowing, the growing and the reaping are all of theMoment. As said above, a truly beautiful breaking of the lesson in the spirit of the Teacher.
Peace and blessings, Rod -
Thanks noble1, I'm glad that my double sonnet falls within the parameters of the contest, and happy you enjoyed it. They say "birds of a feather flock together", thanks for giving us a place to meet.
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Thanks Belle, for your enthusiasm.
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Dear Yem, it is not impossible that life could change. You are hoping for one, and who knows what else may come? My experience shows that failure is no reason to give up.
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This is very beautiful, Margaret. I am still struggling in this area of my life, but maybe soon the seeds will sprout and grow stronger, up towards the sunlight. I have heard this parable all my life but the way you put them makes them seem so much more alive to me and a lot more personal. Thank you.
Elisa
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I really enjoyed this sonnet of yours, very beautiful indeed. I am even more impressed at the comments it has yieled. Who would know that I would again find more believers on this site! Thanks for the double blessing Margaret! God bless! Noble1
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Perfection
This is so beautiful, Margaret! Twin sonnets of beautiful seedlings yielding a double blessing. -Belle
Edited on May 06, 5:23 p.m. because 'spell'. -
Man I feel out of place here...I mean, You, Susan, Mari, Hugh...not sure about Keith, but the rest are all firm believers and then there's me. Fortunately this tale can be interpreted without the religious undertones (fortunate isn't the right word...it sounds like I'm dismissing your intent...which I am not)...your words are good advice for anyone to keep an open mind, to continue to have faith (in whatever) or to not give up...it's also my advice to those who try Moxie for the first time.
And who knows, maybe someday the seeds will sprout and I'll see the light...it'll be a rock garden of course.
Your double dipper was a pleasure to read...even without your message, it's your writing skill that made this two-bagger (baseball term) worth reading.
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I've read and heard that parable many times, and the way you brought it up is just wonderful
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Thanks Keith. I expect your attendance at Sunday school was better than mine. I'm glad you picked out that line; the joy of discovery is fantastic but short-lived, however, in that time newborns can do a lot of damage. The temptation is to take this passage and label others, as your teacher did. Over all, we have the teaching, "judge not". I enjoy your insights, thanks again.
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Thank you Hugh. It would be my pleasure.
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Very nicely put. My favourite line, if I may, is "I sprouted up, yet just as quickly quit". There's a lot in those few words. And seeds do keep coming back, I've just been checking the garden, and it's nothing short of amazing how persistent some can be! You reminded me just for a moment of a picture that we used to be shown at Sunday School (yes, I did attend!), of the parable of the Sower. Of course, I also had a teacher at school who used to look at me and mumble "stony ground, stony ground." Back to the point. Excellent double sonnet, dignified and precise in its effect. Best Wishes.
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Dear Margaret,
This is a real double gem. Would you, when the contest is over, be prepared to include it in the Wyleian series?
If you let me know in due course, I will give you the appropriate number.
(Psst: I know I'm not supposed to be here but I trust you not to tell.)
Love and hugs, XXX Hugh. -
Thank you Susan. I am pleased with this too.
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WOW and I really do mean it.
That was an incredible application of this parable. I have never contemplated how many types of soil I have been over the years, but I am guessing there would be a time in my life (or two) that would match each.
The double sonnet really played well for this theme, the lines running almost parallel. I have to say this is one you should be very satisfied with.
Well done!
Susan
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