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First & Last

Missing image


By
the
First
for All and Always
Truth-bearers of the Law
from there in every place and time
to here and now declare:

It is not here
or over there
But waits
Within us all

It's not a place you go to
Not a temple, church or creed
It's not a name that you must utter
as those in vanity decreed

For the Word is ever-present
And as always yours to claim

It's not a label or a title
Or a garment you should wear
It's not a spell, it's not a mantra
Not a solemn rite or prayer

These trappings, styles and methods
only train the mind to see
that there is a higher power
But not how it's meant to be

There is no deal or short-cut
No quick-fix or free ride
that will grant you easy access
To the Other Side

It's your Heart that is the deadbolt
And Love is the only key
That can turn for you
And yearns to Be
Here now, at
Last
Home Free

 

 

 

 

 

Author notes

"There is no religion higher than Truth"

There is no power greater than Love
~ Gen

"The needful thing is not to know the truth but to experience it." ~ C.G. Jung

"When any church will inscribe over its altar, as its sole qualification for membership,
the Saviour's condensed statement of the substance of both law and Gospel, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and thy neighbor as thyself,' that church will I join with all my heart and all my soul."
~ Abraham Lincoln

-------------------------

John 4:24

Written April 15th, 2004

In a list

A contest entry

.

    I plan to revise this poem: please leave constructive criticism!
    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
    • Line numbers  • Invite them to read
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?)

Comments

1 - 63 of 63

  • Cannonsfire gold member
    January 31, 2007

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    Loved everything about this, love is freedom's gate, open it and walk through my friend. Just delightful and well deserved of your gold.


  • TheDjinn
    January 31, 2007

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    Nice poem, I particularly liked how well the rhyme scheme was pulled off, I really ike the poem.

    I would, however, revise the first and fourth stanzas, they feel somewhat awkward, in my opinion. On the whole, I loved your poem


    • Maatkara gold member
      February 1, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you How are those "awkward" and in what way would you "revise"?
      This is somewhat didactic, and S4 is an aside.

      Expressing opinion is fine but it has more positive purpose and credibility when you can be specific.


  • suseann
    January 31, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Whispers of Angelic Voice

    This Gen,this the most phenominal piece.It's truths bare themself out in the end. Such wisdom in a mortal being is unusual to say the least. Thoughts of factual element as this might be caught in a fleeting vision by many.Yet somehow never burnished as deeply into the heart long enough to find a voice of expression.I'm personally in utter awh of your ability not only to express this. But in such sheer poetic form.Beautiful Lady! Just absolutly beautiful.~~Suseann


  • Kari gold member
    September 1, 2006
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    Good Luck!

    ooooooooo sis I loved this was awesome...thanks for sharing and best of luck to u in the contest

    Kari
    "It's not a label or a title" >3

  • Mickie27
    March 26, 2006
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    A very good write I liked the rhyme you used it was good. These lines stood out the most as being most powerful, "It's not a label or a title
    Or a garment you should wear"
    I liked your write.


  • eternalpoet
    March 8, 2006
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    5 Stars *****

    oh well soo true.. thanks for directing me here... wow i feell bad that i have never read your poems much or never had a proper talk like you on here even though i have often have had a talk with you... i loved it when you said that they train the mind to see the higer power but not in a proper way.. that was exactly what i was telling to you... its such an argumentive topic here or i guess people debate over it everywhere, i often dont argue with my point but i make sure that they dont grab another bird in there prison of superstitions.. thank you veryy much for directing me to this poem.. .. very nice poem... and.. woohoo i love you..

    *hugs and kisses*

    take cares and have a nice time my dear friend.. just keep it up... your humble little friend.... ... ... ... - vic ( who else? )


  • Lyndon gold member
    February 5, 2006
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    Excellence

    I have bookmarked this fine poem. It is a spiritually aesthetic piece, inclusive of all who are not closed-minded. That love you speak of is that of God in us all, waiting to be nurtured. That love is the Light by which we know truth, even the truth of your eloquent and stylish poem. I am glad I met this poem. A Christine injunction implores that we worship in spirit and in truth. A Jewish prophet called us to remember God's voice ehorting us to "Be still and know that I am God."
    Thank you Gen.


  • tarnishedheart
    January 11, 2006
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    Wow, I have to agree with you on this, I know that although I claim no faith and although I do not belive in "God", I am not damned, if that is what it has to be, because I know the power of love and I am a good person. Thank you for entering and good luck in the contest!

  • Maatkara gold member
    January 7, 2006
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    Thank you, Bonnie To truly experience that is to realize nothing is more convincing than being a living example of the "great commandment" (Matt 22:36-40) and the Golden Rule (Luke 6:31)... i.e.

    "...Love does not insist on its own way;" 1 Cor 13:5


  • Malabu
    January 7, 2006
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    I truly believe.....no matter what religion we are...or if we believe in just we live and die......The ten commandments are rules of life to live by......we can free our bodies and our minds....but what we feel in right from wrong......will be the freedoms we believed to be pure in heart and for all humanity....a rightous life we should live....
    Malabu


  • BonnieQ silver member
    January 7, 2006
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    Eloquent

    It has been a long time since I've read any of your work; alas, I see I have missed much. Unfortunately, I'm recovering from brain aneurysm surgery.

    This piece is glorious and cites the Truth with great eloquence. Definitely, love is the answer. Alas, we live in a world full of hate and misconstrued ideas about what is love. Until one experiences our Lord, they have no idea what they are missing. Best wishes in the contest!

    Love and hugs, B♥nnieQ


  • Advocatus Diaboli
    September 21, 2005
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    this was very awesome as always Maat you have to be one of the most talented poets I have every met, and I always enjoy you work, Much love
    Mortikie


  • steph-breath
    September 21, 2005
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    Nice job! I liked this piece very much. Its very well written and the flow is smooth ... so keep it up dear
    Take care
    ~ Steph ~


  • Maatkara gold member
    April 7, 2005
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    Thank you for your comment and applause, Andy! I thought you'd appreciate it.

    ~G


  • Andy Stephenson
    April 7, 2005
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    Very good and I think organized religion can help a person begin a spiritual journey, but one must break free to really soar. "These trappings, styles and methods" often hinder, bind, and blind those who hope to grow. Sadly, they are not aware they have been enslaved.

    I realize that I am basically restating your poem. I do like it.

    "Choke me in the shallow water, before I get too deep." - Edie Brickell -. Just thought it was time to quit. I could go on for weeks on that topic.

    Andy


  • Mari Goes gold member
    January 27, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Normally I never copy/paste anything from a poem to my comments but this...
    It's not a place you go to
    Not a temple, church or creed
    It's not a name that you must utter
    as those in vanity decreed

    this says exactly what I think about faith. And for me faith is love and vice-versa.
    Excellent poem Ge and very amusing 'chatting' there above too

    Kisses and love,
    Mari

  • Maatkara gold member
    December 14, 2004
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    Thank you for your great comment and applause, Kumar!
    You certainly made me smile. Hmmm, if you were disturbed by what you considered an "extravagant graphological layout" (didn't like my pagoda temple-like beginning?) - you ain't seen nothin'! Being 'arty', many of my poems are calligramme style, but this was pretty conservative.

    ~ G


  • Blanka
    December 14, 2004
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    Oh my, that is rather decent... (Hum, that is a regional-idiom which is indicative of higher praise than what the dictionary would have you believe...!). I particularly like the content of the piece; it's very wholesome and pure, somehow.

    Having reached some dizzy heights, as this piece evidently has; I regrettably am bound (darn relgion ) to be irked by a rather unneccessarily extravagant graphological layout which rather broke the poem up somewhat. Having said that, the poem itself more than compensates for this... well done


  • Maatkara gold member
    December 3, 2004
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    There ya go! Not a "system" either.


    Edited on Dec 03, 10:37 because ''.


  • Thimoty
    December 3, 2004
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    A point. Maybe I was using the wrong word then... ^
    Belief system, perhaps, or don't you consider it a system?
    Edited on Dec 03, 10:32 because ''.

  • Maatkara gold member
    December 3, 2004
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    My definition is the same as the dictionary..
    "Religion": from the Latin, religio [religare], bond, to bind.
    "religious": to be bound by vows of religion...belonging to an order bound by such vows.

    Only when we allow ourselves to be 'bound' by nothing are we free to find truth.

    ~ G
    Edited on Dec 03, 10:35 because 'typo'.


  • Thimoty
    December 3, 2004
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    Depends on how you define religious, no?
    Thank you for clarifying it, though, I appreciate it.

  • Maatkara gold member
    December 3, 2004
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    The point is that it is not "religious", on the contrary, and that was the point.

    ~ G
    Edited on Dec 03, 10:13 because 'typo'.

  • Thimoty
    December 3, 2004
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    Don't have a reference at hand, but it's difficult to be original when writing a religious poem, and the idea of love being all-important is present in many places. Regardless, it wasn't meant as a condemnation, and I like your poem, I just needed something to write here, you know?


  • Maatkara gold member
    December 3, 2004
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    Really! Fascinating - and your reference is...?

    ~ G

  • Thimoty
    December 3, 2004
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    Quite a good write. The content isn't too original, to be frank, but the structure more than makes up for it. Thanks for entering, best of luck.

  • BonnieQ silver member
    November 25, 2004
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    Excellent

    Abraham Lincoln had it right; for we never can hope to obey God's Ten Precepts if we don't first love. Even Jesus made that clear. I love this poem. It is as mysterious as the Bible can be, yet in Truth I understood every word. This is excellent writing on behalf of our Father and His Christ; and, no better than that can you do with such a remarkable talent. Good luck in the contest!

    Love and hugs, BonnieQ

    Edited on Nov 25, 11:45 p.m. because ''.


  • Terry-too silver member
    November 22, 2004
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    A delicate exploration of the basis of our faith,
    intensive checklist gently set to isolate a wraith
    Zeroing in on what it is sought through what it's not
    clears the deck of nonessentials and more subtle rot.
    Then with step by step examination we have eventual
    arrival at the goal, in spirit, inspiration true of All.
    .--Terry
    Edited on Nov 22, 7:29 p.m. because 'typo'.


  • lady8
    October 17, 2004
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    Beautiful.beautiful.


  • g r e y i s m
    October 13, 2004
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    this is wonderful.
    you've done very well and the message is great.
    I wish you well in the contest.
    ~ Lea

  • Maatkara gold member
    October 12, 2004
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    Thank you Ana! I really appreciate your comment and applause, it means a lot from one so forthright and honest.

    ~ G

  • Nicole Hanna
    October 12, 2004
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    I'm becoming such a fan of yours. This was really very lovely. It reminds me of that quote from that movie Stigmata (yeah, I know... trite, but hey it still sends a message, lol). "Lift a rock and you will find me, split a piece of wood and I am there". Your words here were just as powerful in their simplicity and accessibility. Nicely done indeed!


  • Glacian
    September 29, 2004
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    To some extent I think Nam has a point, but I think the opening line is "weak" only in comparison to the rest of the poem, which is outsantanding. it's certainly not compared to what I usually see on this site. The way you rhyme in this is awesome - you create a rhythmn and flow i can never match in my own work, in fact, I don't see any clumsy or forced rhyming at all. I think you capture the essence of what a lot of people call "spirituality", how religion is something personal, it isn't to be found in the rituals and ritess we do, but in our hearts. I do think that there is a higher power that humans have the potential to reach - what I don't think is that this higher power is something magical beyond the stars in some magic land. I think it's right here on earth, I think it's within the human being to realize that power.

  • Maatkara gold member
    September 17, 2004
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    Thank you so much for those links, Pari! What magnificently pithy wisdom! I am very grateful to you for introducing such a wonderful, poetic sage to me.

    ~ G

  • Pari Ali
    September 17, 2004
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    Kabir was a weaver by profession a simple man who wrote profound words in a simple way if you are interested I am leaving soem links to his dohas here the person who did the translation did not give me permission to post them on Op but a lot of kabir's poetry is there and translated into english as well as explained.
    indianest.com/kabir
    you can drop by this Doha it is the one I was talking about.
    indianest.com/kabir/dohas/kd30.htm
    indianest.com/kabir/dohas/kd31.htm

  • Maatkara gold member
    September 17, 2004
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    Thank you so much for your wonderful comment and applause, Pari! I'm humbled by the comparison you made.

    ~ G

  • Pari Ali
    September 17, 2004
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    I recently read a poem doha by Kabir and Indian mystic, a doha (couplet) by Kabir and Indian mystic which said somethign similar, I agree with you wholeheartedly on this it is a well thought out poem.

  • el desdichado
    September 16, 2004
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    And Love is the only key

    ...I liked reading this poem. It was an interesting experience...I mean, overall, it's been an interesting voyage through this contest. It's seemed that some people have entered their poems into previous contests of similar subject matter, and I feel that, in some ways, that gives the poem some very undesireable and oftentimes unpleasant...baggage. If you know what I mean. Anyway, I'm not sure about the history of this poem, but then, I'm trying my best not to care. I just want to read this poem. I just want to see it with my own eyes. And with my own eyes, I enjoyed reading it. I think it's difficult talking about religion...and I mean, JUST about religion. And spirituality. The two seem to have this gap between them these days. I like how you talk about how as an individual, we need to be sure-footed, we need to be whole, we need to know ourselves, inside and out, we need to act and speak and live our lives whole-heartedly. A life is rather easy to lose, as I think we all know. Thank you for this thoughtful entry.

  • Maatkara gold member
    August 25, 2004
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    Yes, and from which we were intended, and obligated, to rise above.

    ~ G
    Edited on Aug 25, 4:00 p.m. because 'typo'.


  • Wildequill
    August 25, 2004
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    Reality lurks in the dark caverns of silence - thrives within the cliffs of the unknown - breeds in the depths of bottomless pools of our pain.. in the unconscious knowledge of our amoebic role.


  • duana
    August 8, 2004
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    wow, did I need to hear this at this particular time. Thanks for the fantastic wisdom!

  • Maatkara gold member
    July 15, 2004
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    Yes, s.c., I agree with you about the italics, that is probably superfluous. The animation also (only a recent addition, on a whim), I was thinking of deleting anyway. Your opinions on 'weaknesses' in the "form" are moot. However, I shall consider your points.

    I will dispute your opinion that this is only my "opinion". There is a vast difference between 'opinion' and 'knowledge', and many get the two confused. I do not speak on any subject without direct personal Knowledge gained over a lifetime of actual, real, empirical experience. The Truth needs no defence; those willing to hear it always listen.

    Thank you for your thoughtful critique, a pleasant surprise.

    ~ G


  • Nam
    July 15, 2004
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    Your form is weak in the beginning. And since it is weak, it makes your beginning weak. The form at the end isn't weak however, and thus made the voice in which you used, more expressable.

    I feel, you should re-work the beginning joinings of words to make it more forthright.

    The basis of the piece the "voice" is not withoutstanding. It carries itself, but, the use of the italics in some cases seemed a bit weak. I feel, you did not need them. They, I feel, as well, do not suit the piece.

    There's an unchanging flow, yet, it felt strenious at ends of parts near to the end of the piece. I feel some work could be put into place to make the 'flow' seem stronger.

    The message is clear. It's not exact, it lays on opinion, as does most things that come out of one's mouth, but, still, it's clear on what you are saying.

    I feel the animation is an addage. I feel, that it isn't needed.

    One's voice is only heard if another listens.

    (edited)
    Edited on Jul 15, 11:21 p.m. because ''.

  • duana
    June 23, 2004
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    only train the mind to see
    that there is a higher power
    This is a powerful line OUTSIDE the poem. The poem itself is amazingly written. It is so great that you can take such profound truths and put them into the form of poetry. Poetry says so much more than whole essays...which often are simply rants, or projections... I like poetry, because it gets to the heart of the matter, and the logic of the matter which so many essays and theological writings obscure. Wonderful writing!


  • wohadreambig
    June 14, 2004
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    Very powerful and emotional write here. Nicely done. Good luck in the contest
    Janine

  • Poetic Fanatic
    May 18, 2004
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    Love Deep Reads!

    I say it is the release of the power from your own spirit. However in my truth, we must not forget there is the highest power which endowed human beings with all of our attributes, we each being a drop of water in the vast ocean of forever.

  • Poetic Fanatic
    May 18, 2004
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    Enlightening

    Now that is too cool Powerhouse poet.
    I'm really enjoying this of yours. I too can sometimes make a break from that inspirational radio.
    This is very thought provoking points of exisitence to ponder.
    It is good to find a fellow traveler in my line at this time.

    Tommy


  • neuentag
    May 17, 2004
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    this has great energy and flow. it's very descriptive and easy to read. definitely a great write!


  • SEA angel gold member
    May 17, 2004
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    Poetically Wise

    Now, I may like this even more than your Pearls poem. This poem is dramatic with true wisdom penned into poetry and VERY WELL DONE. You held a tight rein from beginning to end.
    Edited on May 17, 9:09 because ''.


  • MargaretG
    May 17, 2004
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    Wise

    Now this is spiritual wisdom that everyone can apply, well done!
    Thanks for entering this third poem, you're done!

  • Maatkara gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    Thank you dutchygurl All you have to remember is that there is a vast difference between being "religious" and being 'spiritual' (spiritually aware). The word 'religion' comes from the Latin meaning to 'bind'. Let yourself be 'bound' by nothing, then you'll be free to listen to and follow - your Heart.
    Love & Light,
    ~ Ma'atkara


  • Hate of your Life
    May 3, 2004
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    very nice poem i liked it... im not a terrible chruchgoer either but am quite religous... well maybe not quite but religous none the less... i dont know what to say it is a ver deep poem and i enjoyed it i cant think of any critisisms but good write!

    ~av

  • JoyBeingNow
    April 19, 2004
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    A great rite(!) of love, acted out in language
    I don't mind saying it again: I love your style, pointing always directly to the Heart of things.


  • SusanL
    April 16, 2004
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    This is such a lovely write and such a basic truth. Thank you for sharing this with us.
    Susan

  • Maatkara gold member
    April 15, 2004
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    Thank you Peaseeker! You are absolutely right, "a thousand ways, and now... from a million sources"; if it takes the
    one-thousand-and-first to inspire or edify just one who needs it, it has not been in vain.
    Love & Light
    ~ Maatkara

  • MargaretG
    April 15, 2004
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    Wonderful

    Your poem bears much thinking on, but since I'm here now, I'll comment!
    This is the eternal message, the one which has been written in a thousand ways, and now is coming from a million sources.
    That is not a criticism of your poem at all, I think you have given it a fresh form, and I like the meter and rhyme sandwiched between free verse.


  • April 15, 2004
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    You have done your usual eloquent job of allowing the truth to climb like a rose vine to the towers of our intellect where it then bloomed, crimson red, for all to see, and to know, the truth!


  • Maatkara gold member
    April 15, 2004
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    Thank you, for your applause, appreciation and comments!!
    Love & Light,
    ~ Maatkara


  • shastadaisey123
    April 15, 2004
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    very good

    "Its your heart that is the deadbolt and love is the only key"" Hooray for you...this is a great piece...inspiring thought provoking and so absolutey true...great flow and I applaud you ,,,shastadaisey123

  • beetle
    April 15, 2004
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    i do'nt wanna repeat anyone, so i ditto completely with what terryt said. i was a bit confused, too, when i started reading it, but it all made delicious sense at the end ^.^ nifty work


  • April 15, 2004
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    Much the same as I feel. I am "unchurched" but read the bible and try to relate my feelings about the religion I believe to the chaos of peoples and faiths around us. I think you weighed in well on that.


  • Rubicar
    April 15, 2004
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    uhmmm... i was abit curious with the title i thought some other way around as i read it, but it cleared my mind when i read the whole poem.. you've done a great job!! i enjoy reading.

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