Stand up you fearless prophets of the Lord!
Do not fear death – to perish is to gain.
The Spirit is a double-sharpened sword,
And now begins His long-awaited reign
Stand up you servants and handmaidens – stand!
Make in the wilderness a straight highway.
See in all things your Captain’s mighty Hand,
And know the dawning of the Gospel Day.
Stand up – each one the Master calls his friend
Has snowy raiment, and you all shall sing
Loud psalms and anthems that shall never end,
And cast your coronets before the King.
Stand up you tireless prophets of the Word,
So that His Gospel triumph may be heard!
Author notes
I wanted to write a sonnet recalling and re-igniting the millenarian spirit of the mid 17th century - as though John Bunyan or George Fox was suddenly versifying.
L.13 "Word" - John 1:1-14 (KJV)
Written May 19th, 2006
In a list
A contest entry
- March 2008 Newbies at Winklings One: # 66 by Lyndon.
2625 points, ended April 17, 2008, 8 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 13 of 13
-
Such a joyous testament in sonnet. Brilliantly written as expected.
This sang the praises beautifully and I think as Michael has noted, on the lines of Bunyan who was not nearly so eloquent as you. 
Nicely done. Wonderful entry. ~Pamela 
-
-
Thank you, Pamela - glad you liked it.
-
-
i have a side developed in childhood on Grandma's knee of biblical and religious faith, has served me well over the years and a voice still emerges from time to time; think i relate to this quite well...excellent and precise here... PK
-
Thank you Nevada. I wish this poem to stand as a work of art, not simply as an expression of my own faith. This is why I made it an "as if" work, seeking to find an archaic voice in which to cry out. I think you have seen and appreciated that.
-
exceptional
Mairi bheag, though I don't share your personal faith, I certainly appreciate the passion and eloquence with which you express it. The words in this poem just march forward with a great assurance and maturity. Just great!
nevada -
It's Sunday where you are?
-
Your mind is so fine!
See? This is why Sunday is my favorite day of the week! Such things to occupy my mind and now this lovely poem to find! You have given us a poem for inspiration. Thus saith we ALL!
-
Michael - try reading Crisp's (?) "Journey from Babylon to Bethel", or Elwood's "Davideis". Thanks for your praise.
-
Thank you Lily. You are too kind.
-
Bravo!
Oh, quite excellent and quite wonderful! Certainly sounds like something Bunyan might say, though not nearly so eloquently--reading The Pilgrim’s Progress, was like trying to gargle with razor blades, at least for me. Another terrific sonnet from the hand of our resident Celtic sorceress. Bravo! -
Very good!
How convincing you write! This piece sounds like a song, some anthem sung in church. Really beautiful and real, keep going with that! Lily -
Thanks for your enthusiasm
I am glad you liked it.
-
I love it! Gives me inspiration to write more about spiritual events.
Adding your comment:
1 - 13 of 13
