Beside the River Styx I waited,
while my mind contemplated.
Whether I would rise above,
to search the skies and seek his love.
Or would I descend quite far below,
caught within Hellfire's glow.
Burnt by flames of lies and greed,
consumed by naught but selfish need.
Would I never hunger or fast,
emptiness gnawing way the past.
So I could be born anew,
to sit and enjoy Heaven's endless view.
But stones of my own humanity,
led to sin's sullen sanctuary.
Promises, lavish and beguiling,
while flames obscured devils smiling;
And God what of him, standing inside,
holding the gate cross the great divide.
Eyes casting looks without any blame,
they reached across, through the flame.
They spoke with kindness and belief,
forgiveness, no trace of grief.
Not promises of silver and gold,
just stars that would be mine to hold.
Finally I could see his true gift,
lost amidst humanity's blind rift.
'Tis I who had to choose, not they,
only I could determine the way.
'Twas up to me to ascend those stairs,
to throw away all my human fears.
To extend my hands with purest love,
welcomed into his home above.
And so I wait by the river bed,
no longer debating sin in my head.
I can now swim in waters so deep,
choosing to float into God's safe keep.
Author notes
Picture by Frozentearz
In a list
A contest entry
- ~ Steps~ Picture prompt by Frozentearz.
525 points, ended September 11, 2008, 11 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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Spiritual and great
you use the ladder of the tree mentioned in a good way I loved the way you wrote it to relate to religion
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Truly over the top with this one. So very very pleased to see a shiny trophy on this gem. Exceptionally well done. I loved it. ~Pamela
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Now this was truly a delight to read. You went above and beyond the call for this beautiful pic that my friend Tearz provided. I also love the symbolism and metaphor of this fantastic piece! Thanks for entering and best wishes,
Frogz -
ooh my this was wonderful and so full of depth.
I think ten thousand below me has this one summed up
" love the symbolism of the Styx River. The place between the living and the dead. Such a marvelous symbol of the decision made here to choose life and goodness, no matter what others do. "
Wonderful work here on this page.
Thanks for joining in warm thoughts.
Frozentearz -
Lovely! Full of great wording and depth. This is beautiful.
best wishes in your contest.
(I have done several poems on the River Styx - where I waited with my father)
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I love this,
we tend to hold on to the past,
to find peace let go of our sins and our fear
and just simply float through life embrace, accept, and be.
lovely, lovely write my friend
beautifully done
God bless...
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This is just gorgeous, gal. I am reminded of the scripture, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." This is just such a story. It is told with grace and beauty, but does not deny the difficult fact that we each are responsible for our own selves, and none other is to blame if we stumble. Yet, even then (through the flames, as you so beautifully put it) there is sufficient grace to lead us out, to help us find haven.
Beautiful. I love the symbolism of the Styx River. The place between the living and the dead. Such a marvelous symbol of the decision made here to choose life and goodness, no matter what others do. Loved it!
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