On a day quite dark and dreary causing mind and soul to weary,
I sat beside the fire quite contented with myself.
I entertained the thought of dozing and my eyes were ever closing
focused vaguely, on a bookcase and the books upon the shelf.
Yes, books of many volumes forming multicolored columns,
awed my imagination in the secrets they must hold.
My aimless fingers wandered as through the books I pondered
then, by chance, I found one volume that was ragged, torn and old.
I thought, best it be discarded, for the price of time had marred it
and it bore a musty odor caused by ever-growing mold.
But, I happened to discover 'neath the dust upon its cover
the inscription 'Holy Bible' letters etched in faded gold.
So, I probed amongst its pages with its history of the ages,
at first, with passing interest, then transformed to utter awe.
The story of creation with its wealth of information
to the sheer appreciation of God's wondrous, perfect law.
It told how shepherds trembled when 'Angelic' forms assembled
to bring forth the joyous message of a wondrous, 'Virgin' birth.
Within sin-infested nations, there was need of God's salvation
so, Our Lord, with love and mercy, placed His Son upon the earth.
It told how Peter thrice denied Him; In result, they crucified Him.
Jesus murmured "It is Finished" with his last and dying breath.
His body was imprisoned; Three days later, He is Risen
and His mission, thus completed, even victory over death.
I then laid the book beside me; Analyzed the thoughts inside me
and I marveled at the message that this great book had to tell.
Within its beaten cover was a 'Treasure' to discover,
rich in paradise eternal and escape from Satan's hell.
Now, I cannot help but wonder of this world so torn asunder
in which greed will form a ladder by which man can raise himself.
Man will go about his labor, cheating brother, friend and neighbor
while, unopened, lies a Bible gathering dust upon a shelf.
I can draw but one conclusion why we're plagued with such confusion;
My philosophy is simple, although some might think it odd;
In man's constant search for pleasure, he's misplaced a priceless treasure--
A guide for 'Life'; For 'Love' and 'Happiness', by the greatest author--
God!
Author notes
*pic. courtesy of Photobucket.com
This is a reflection of my 'Faith' and is a Dedication to our 'Heavenly Father'!
I consider this to be my best composition as well as my testimony.
It was written in 1967 while I served with the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam
It was during the rainy season.
This work has meant a lot to me over the years and I hope it will become a blessing to you also.
**Written with the same meter as that of Poe's "The Raven"
In a list
A contest entry
- SEEKING AP FAMILY by Noah20Tymatal.
525 points, ended February 25, 36 entries
Honorable winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Parodies or Multisyllabic Rhyming (Prewrites Allowed) by aGent Lemon.
360 points, ended February 26, 6 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Your most eloquent Prewrite by Arrianna MacEwan.
450 points, ended February 25, 17 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Very Easy !!! by Loveandblessings2u.
1000 points, ended April 28, 24 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - SPIRITUAL POETS by Pisces rainbow.
1050 points, ended May 18, 10 entries
Honorable winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - CONTEST: Looking for poems, That will make me say: OMG! This is awesome! 810 points by PoeticLove.
600 points, ended July 15, 62 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - POEMS ABOUT GOD OUR LORD by HolyMan28.
499 points, ended August 4, 15 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Enter Your Best!!! (Pws allowed and more than one poem) by SafeRefuge.
450 points, ended August 22, 13 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - All-time Best Rhyming Prewrites by TabbyJoy.
600 points, ended September 23, 73 entries
Honorable winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Have you ever experienced the "Beauty" in God's word?
Comments
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I very much enjoyed the meter of this poem. It tripped from the tongue in a delightful manner. Your faith is a credit to you. You managed to hold my attention by the "informality" of the story, it allowed me to gain a strength from its conviction...without the dire guilt trip that normally goes with stories of faith. Bravo my friend ( if I may call you that?) Bravo
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I completely have to agree with Slayer on this one! And I mean it when I say I completely agree! The most beautiful, heart-warming, beautifully written poem I've ever read in a very long time I loved all the rhymes! You've been to my page, (and I thank you for your kind words about my works btw,) so you know how I feel about poetry with rhymes! And this was just spectacular! Thank you very much for sharing!!
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I take my hat off to you, Sir. This is arguably the most touching, well written poem I have read on AP, or anywhere else, in a long time.
Be well,
Slayer
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I instantly liked this poem, so it gets a one-way trip to the finalist's list. The flow was impeccible, and the rhyme was natural. The message conveyed here is one near and dear to my heart.
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Thought I would drop in this first time and read "Buried Treasure" and I am not disappointed! It is an awesome write,just awesome...So heartwarming to we who have faith in Gods' word, and it has the substantial evidence of why we believe as we do...Wonderful rhyme and flow...Excellent just Excellent!
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Glad to find you, (through a poem dedicated to you by Thoughts of Solomon)
So personal, touching to many. It is a vivid and deeply thoughtfull expression of faith. Constructed with a sincere voice..
a solid conclusion.
Poe's "The Raven"?
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very beautiful
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I adore this!! The whole of it...from the wonderful words, rhythm, rhyme and beat; to the fantastic message that it holds. Brilliant!!! A fantastic write.
Sam
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Indeed, this does sound like my poem "God's Book". I like how you presented the finding of the book. I absoulutely adore the inner line rhyme and the end rhyme used together. That was truly a difficult task and it became a tremendous feat. I am impressed. Brava!!! Great Write and Great Read!!!
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Wow this is a sensation!
You sure know how to write poetry! Wow this is an epic and a poetic sensation, rich and crammed to brim of poetic and vivid imagery and descrptives, very knowledgeable too, and a joy to read.
Love this stanza:
"I then laid the book beside me; Analyzed the thoughts inside me
and I marveled at the message that this great book had to tell.
Within its beaten cover was a 'Treasure' to discover,
rich in paradise eternal and escape from Satan's hell".
Such truth and depth here. Says a lot.
You sure have a wonderful way with words and are so inspiring too.
Love it! Well done! Wr ite on!
Poetic Hugs,
Kaz.
Kazytc xx
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WOW! This is amazing! I truly love this piece. Well Done!!
Crystal
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Thanks for the entry.. and this is amazing.
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Powerfull
Your write is very powerfull a writer looking at his stacks looking serching finding an old book and wanting to discard it like a dime store novel. Dusting of the cover to find it was your bible.
Open the bible to read you went home like the prodigal son. That is the image I get from this write again this was great. I love the picture I love books and I hate to part with the books in my library
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Bravo well done
Absolutely beautiful for all to read believers or not. You have a great gift and use it well. The whole story was gracefully constructed with truth and love. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Boog
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Oops ...
I was too tired last night to notice, but the rules of the contest state 30 lines or less. This is over the limit. Please remove it and enter one that is shorter.
Thank you.
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Normally ...
I dislike religious poems since usually they are very bad, but this one is a breath of fresh air. I could actually read it without gagging. I suspect even Milton wouldn't have thought it was a bad job.
Thanks for entering. -
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You are lucky. I gagged.
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I loved A Buried Treasure". That was very very good. My cuz is a preacher. May i print a coppy for him
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For what we seek sometimes is right in front of us. All one must do is open our eyes, and to look beyond what might happen to be a dusty old book, to read the beauty within. A hiddnen treasure for sure! His word. WE are truely blessed. ~Sie
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this was utterly remarkable. Such an amazing testimony, what a memory.
And as well, you penned an excellent rhyme scheme and flow. -
Excellent
wow, such an incredible write. It is filled with faith and such powerful inspiration. Thank you for blessing us all by sharing this gift.
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REMARKABLE how this was written
It may sound strange but it resonates with the south east asian wars identifiable tone. The soldiers light of hope and life and comes from the heart. the words you have expressed with it make this a masterpiece of write , excelent
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Awesome!
This poem is one of the best I've ever read! It reflects a real good insight into the word of God and consequently, THE GOD OF THE WORD! Both of which are awesome! It shows what makes me admire you: A GREAT APPRECIATION FOR THE BIBLE! Great write my dear brother in Christ! God bless you!
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Amazing!
this was the one of the best things I have ever read here on AP! It was absolutely and utterly amazing! The Rhyme and rhythm are flawless, and the words? Pure genius! this expresses so much about the world today, and how the Bible is forgotten and the very word of God left out of everything! Thank you so much, it's not often that I read anything so blatently beautiful. -
Fabulous poem!
As evidenced by the numerous awards it has won...even had it never won an award here on earth, it has won you the gratitude of the angels that stand before God, to praise him day and night, as you have by giving voice to his Eternal Word!
Regards,
Degraw
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i love the first line it really draws you into the poem.
and i love the "books of many volumes forming multicolored columns, it just makes you want to dive into them and start reading.
this poem is a delight to the senses, and even though not a christian myself, i can feel the raw emmotion behind your beliefes.
and it is beautiful to read.
you should really enter this in the beautiful poems contest that i entered today, i think you would do brilliantly.
((((hugs))))) joss xxx
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OK!
OMG!!! Awesome. Right to the finals, with you. -
A BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL WRITE!!!!
I believe this is on the top of the best poems I've ever read!! wow, wow, wow..you have an incredible talent my friend!
FIVE TROPHIES? that says a whole lot about this write doesn't it?thank you for posting it:)
SilverButterfly
Mary
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I enjoyed this very much, and your author notes as well.It has not aged at all, as all the sentiments you expressed are as valid today as they were 41 years ago. I will be exploring more of your work as time goes by.
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Very beautiful and enjoyable to read. poes rythms are always good to read and you write with the same talent. Thanks for the read
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A very worthy write I can honestly say! You should definitely be proud of this!
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the spirit speaks through you
i'm not one to agree with some of the labels that have been used.. as i believe labels are meant for canned foods
but let me just say that this write and these words are pure and the image and flow are very reflective
anything less than gold on this would have been insulting
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Hello BuriedTreasures. I can not say I share your beliefs, but your poem for me is a work of art. The rhythm and rhyme is excellent. Fantastic story telling. My regards.
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Wonderful to see so many deserved trophys for this thoughtful yet thrusting poem. I was captured by the immediacy of the opening scene-setting which reminded me of Thackeray's "Cane Bottom'd Chair" although the rhythm is quite different. You have selected disparate yet telling elements of the New Testament in a persuasive and unsentimental way that benefits your poem immensely.
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again you amazed with your brilliance and I was hoping I see you here at my contest.
thank you foe entering.
God bless...
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As my Dark Lord Ravensdark said below.. this is exceedling well written!!!! Absolutely fantastic hun!!
I have experienced that beauty... yet my heart does not hold it, I know not why... I wish it was different!
My favourite account of Peter denying Jesus is Luke's account In 22: 61 where after the final denial of knowing Jesus it states (in my version) "and the Lord turned and looked upong Peter...." When I think about that line I think how Jesus must have looked at Peter, in his perfection it wouldn't have been with anger... but love and sadness at Peter's own imperfection... and how that must have made Peter so crushed at what he had done...just imagining that in mind brings me to tears!!
Anyway.. sorry for the rant... lol
I applaud your faith!
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Firstly I enjoyed the Kant, very much like the Raven by Poe...I think it exceedingly well written. It really flowed along beautifully. I think the way you told the story was brilliant. Great poem...
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You did rather well, with mimicking the Raven here. And sadly, our world has fallen away from the greatest influence that could be found. The most loving Father, the fairest and most forgiving Master, our Big Brother, our Savior, our best Friend, and the greatest thing to ever come into my life. Beautiful. Praise God.
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It's been said before, I know; this is wonderful. I too was thinking which poet does this remind me of, but the lines in my mind were: you can tell a man who boozes by the company he chooses... not wishing to put a slur on you magnificent piece at all. Well done indeed, I love it
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Poe Indeed!!
Yes, The Cadence & Rhythemic Meter of
Poe's 'The Raven' was running through my mind as I composed this piece! -
I am impressed
Although I share not you believes, I pride myself with the ability to distinguish good poetry from bad.
And this really impressed, me its rhyme scheme and rhythm being used with such skill, I have never seen the likes of it in here. Thank you for sharing this poem with the rest of us.
While I am at it, thank you so very much for commenting on "Crimson Kiss" I treasure every word.
See you in the borderland of sanity
Zarok
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congratulations on the silver A beautiful poem
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I really enjoyed this, much thought was put into it, yet it wasn't forced. It was a truly well penned and sincere thoughts made this piece truly enjoyable to read.
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Some work defines comment just humility for having read the words. Thank you.
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very good
That's a very good write, I really like it. You did an awesome job. Well Peace be with you!
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I haven't read any of your other piece,
but I doubt anything gets any better than this.
I really like your reflection of your faith.
I'm sure our Heavenly Father loves your Dedication.
This is an excellent piece of art.
Loveandblessings2u & yours always
Joyce
good luck in the contest. -
isabelwk
Redwingspirit sent me your link. This is very nice, a play on Poe for sure, but love the wordplay.
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this is great and you're right it does have a similar cadence to "The Raven" very soothing really almost hynotic. I really like this a lot. Thank you for the link
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Hi
This is so wonderful! I love old books and dusty wooden bookshelves, because I spent my time as a child in a very old library reading Cs Lewis, Tolkien, Brontes etc Then to find the mystery book was the Bible! Isn't that just how most of us world weary sinners come to God, by looking into the dusty forgotten faith from our childhood? Your testimony is wonderful, never lose it, it is indeed a treasure.
Lianonsidhe
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Beautiful!
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Ravenous POEtic License :)
Without wishing to comment overmuch upon content the context is well above that of many Poe parodies and it is a pity that so few readers seem to have recognized the source.
by chance, I found one volume that was ragged, torn and old... perhaps the author was Holly Chivers perhaps E.A.P. inspired (again perhaps) from above ... at any rate an enjoyable perusal
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Brilliant
First, Yes, I've experienced the "Beauty' in God's word...
Secondly, this's an amazing poem that it completely captured my all & kept my thoughts pondering.
Love the rhyme ,the flow, they way itself that you expressed that great piece.
& Now I know the secret behind your display name"Buries treasure", because it completely grabbed my attention & captivared my senses...
Thanks for sharing
GloriousGift
Heba
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i like the way you have a rhyme in them middle and end of each line edgar allen poe did a lot of that kind of thing you know. i also like how you skippedd that every other line and only rhymed the ends of those 2 lines. this is a good form and you should run a contest that is for this form of poetry. if you do let me know and i will enter. i like rhymes if they are clever ones and hate them if they are forces. you did a good job of not forcing them here in this poem and it moved and roled smothly. i came across your coments on many of jcat's poems and since i am a fan of her work thought i would check out yours as well your page said this is your best work and so i have come to read it. i am however not an xtion but i like the poem all the same. thank you for sharing it. also i am doing a contest just now that has very few entrants and i would love a few more. so if you havent already been coersed by jcat to enter it then please take this as an invite and come and check it out.
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Brilliant. Thank you for sharing it.
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A Real Poem-A magic Spell!!
Your poem is both captivating and rhythmic and as I said before, I was thoroughly enchanted until...
This superbly written piece did indeed 'become a blessing' for me, in ways, most unexpected and never to be forgotten!
I much look forward to reading more of your work Buried Treasures.
God bless you kindly
From my 'wayward eyes'... a 'blessing in disguise'... which then revealed itself... In this there is no lies.
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The time and setting
in which this piece was written
makes it even more treasured
to all who read.
I feel fortunate I found your page
where you have preserved this earnest piece.
Aesthete
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amazing
This has truely moved me. I'm almost in tears. I love this piece! You are a wonderful poet. I'll be back to read more of your poems for sure! I am a Christian so I am in understandment of everything you said.
Again...it's amazing.
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this is absolutely beautiful..you should have got gold for this write..xxx
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Gold
Yeah, that deserved a gold trophy. This was incredible, the rhyme well done and the topic a personal favorite of mine. Praise God for a burried treasure.
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So beautiful I can almost touch the words and your feelings, thank you so much for allowing others to read this. I know it touched me if we miss Jesus we miss everything, what a lovely tribute to our saviour.I
saw the most beautiful passion play this week a gift from a lovely church and now this it has been some week of reminders that time is short and he gave so much. Thank you again.
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This is a beautifully penned piece. I was very very interested by it. I really like this. Good job and keep writing!
~Erin~ -
wonderful write
I really enjoyed this. It is so well-written, true and inspiring and true. The form and wording is awesome. Great job. Darlee77
. Rewarded 4
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Excellent write!
Loved it! I think it should have won gold. The rhyming is excellent and so is the message. I hope lots and lots of people read it! Thank you for serving your country under such unpleasant conditions abroad and at home. You are not forgotten. God Bless you!
. Rewarded 6
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I am not a churchgoing christian, but I feel the power in your writing. The message you give to everyone is clear and the writing is excellent. May God give you contentment and peace forever. Mother Nature rewards me every day in some small way with gifts of beauty and serenity, while I try to be a part of the natural order of all things in my life.
. Rewarded 6
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This is probably the most amazing poem I've ever read. Although you'll probably be insulted but I don't believe in the bible but I can feel how very much it means to you in your amazing words. Thank you for sharing this amazing work of words.
. Rewarded 4
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Inspirational
I liked this poem, it has such a positive attitude. I like how you explained what the bible meant to you and how it inspired you. It made me feel a lot of emotion it has its strong points. It had lots of character. Nice title! The last line tied it up really well. In some parts it felt sort of rushed, how it hurried from his birth to the next stanza relating his crucifixion.
I thought maybe a stanza in between might carry it along better. I love the flow, it has such a whimsical sing-song voice and a profound message. I think that overall this is a pretty good poem. I found that it was not to overpowering or overwhelming, just a straight-forward message of hope. Great job!
. Rewarded 8
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I love it! It took me a minute to understand the set up but it flows really well. The language is beautiful and the story is wonderful. Very good write and a nice uplifting message
. Rewarded 4
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My words can't do justice in describing how breathtaking this is. All I can say is wow, amazing, beautiful.
. Rewarded 4
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