The unexamined life is fine for some
who happily exist from day to day,
but deeper waters clutch, we may succumb
and sink into the darkness, sink away.
The darkness is a pressure on our eyes
that forces us to take a look within,
to see the brokenness in us, the lies,
to give resolve to put away our sin.
A beacon shining through the dark is found,
but not with eyes, the heart can see this light.
The joy and hope in finding it is crowned
by knowing that there's purpose to the night.
The darkness is a gift to understand
we balance good and evil in our hand.
&
The weight of good and evil in our hands
is what a human life is all about;
the one who's seen his evil understands
that good is to be chosen, there's no doubt.
The good of all becomes his chosen path,
no limiting to good for self alone;
no longer fearful of a lawful wrath,
in him a sense of good for good is grown.
A kindness and a gentleness appear
when he embraces spiritual life;
in him we find no running from his fear,
his courage is support in times of strife.
This one becomes a beacon to us all,
the one who helps us up if we should fall.
Author notes
Written August 28th, 2004
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 53 of 53
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Margaret, this is so wonderful! It makes one rethink the darkness in his life and his spirituality. And excellent piece, as always! Hugs, Patricia
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Thank you
Dear Patricia, thanks for your appreciation. I think there is a reason for our failures, which is to learn and grow stronger. When all we see is darkness, then looking for the light is the first step to finding it.
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a precious lesson of wisdom
a truly precious lesson of wisdom ...
exactly the words I needed to hear today ...
I recently feel that a lot of old bad habits are coming up in me, and if before I would not pay attention to them, and even succomb to their temptations, this doesn't work anymore right now ...
it seems as if all my faults and bad tendencies are put under a magnifying glass, appearing like enormeous monsters to me ... in this way, I will be sure to see them ...
a strange experience ... calling for humility ...
thank you so much for your guidance,
marion
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Smiles
Thank you Marion. When we look into the darkness, it seems to be everywhere; also, the more we resist, the stronger the resistance gets. I don't know what your temptations are, but I know mine. I would not have noticed them ten years ago.
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This has got to be one of the most beautiful poems I've read all evening! Excellent read and wonderful flow..this poem says sooooo much!
Kari -
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Thank you Kari! It is good to look at the older ones, to see where we have been.
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Not sure I like reading old stuff...
It's a little creepy. For example, I see Del there, and that is sad. Then I look at the date and remember where I was and what I was doing...I need to read these things and not look at the date or the comments.
The unexamined life is one for me
I leap and I sing and I dance the jig
But that darkness you write of...could it be?
just the social mores of the bourgoisie?
You can't get mad at me, I'm sick!
If I were to be honest about my life I'd end it...no, no examining for me.
Don't worry, I know what you mean, it's spiritual examination you are talking about...I can speak to that but will let those who feel they can do it...I'm sure you'll have no shortage of would-be scholars.
I'm glad you have that strength Margaret...write one about not that it bouys you but how it does...as someone who has no religious strength, that is what I have trouble comprehending, the how. Not sure what I'm looking for...I guess just some connection that explains that, given a similar experience, I could have been one with faith too. Those with faith have always come in two sizes to me...the Miraculous and the ridiculous. The miraculous are those I can't imagine having such strength and belief as they...the ther, the ridiculous, I wouldn't want to have their beliefs...for it's just rhetorical showmanship. I'm sure theres a third, more practical size, maybe I'm just not good at looking.
Sorry, I sometimes get started and forget that no one cares about my goofy thoughts, lol Delete the parts you don't like.
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creepy
I know what you mean. This was the peak of my ability at the time, but now it seems a little clumsy. Some of the people who commented have disappeared, some drifted away, some never commented to me again.
I'll think about your suggestion and question. I asked an older person if faith is constant, and she said that it is tidal, it comes and goes, but that is not something to worry about.
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Thank you happycampr88, for your applause.
I'm happy that the poem expressed something for you.
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This is such a beautiful, powerful poem...
I love this stanza: "A beacon shining through the dark is found,
but not with eyes, the heart can see this light.
The joy and hope in finding it is crowned
by knowing that there's purpose to the night."
Bravissima!
--Rachel -
sustained applause Brava, MG!!! This is lovely!!! Good luck, my Friend...I'm also in the finals...as is Jaunty pill...man, two incredible writes by two of my Friends that are incredible Poets!!! Tough competition!!! Your Wisdom is a Beacon, Dear Heart... Wanda
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Thank you, I am surprised.
Am I correct, that you are asking for another poem to be entered in this same contest?
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congratulations! you have landed in the finals round! a few things you should know: 1. the topic is " a loss of breath" run in any direction you so choose with that and 2. you MUST put FINALIST in the title somewhere and 3. prewrites are not allowed..congratulations and the best of luck toyou!
anyonita -
Thank you. Enjoy your contest!
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very deep...and very nice..i've enjoyed this thoroughly...good luck and thanks for entering!
anyonita -
Thanks sanity. This is the way I choose to find a blessing in my depression. Facing one's flaws and mistakes takes courage, and there are those who never take responsibility, so they never find the reward.
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A deep write, Maatkara is right, it does take courage to face the darkness within, sometimes we don't even realise it's there, then as she says again, some never do anything about it..................
thanks for sharing
take care
sanity
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It was good to read this wise poem again, Margaret.
I ditto my first comment, and add that it does indeed take courage to face the darkness within. So many disown their Shadow, project it on others, and thereby abdicate their responsibility to self-improvement. Sadly, those are the ones
most in need of a "beacon", but rarely recognize those that appear.
~ G
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Outstanding!
how well this wonderful piece rolls off the tongue, but adheres -- and rightfully so -- to the conscience. Many excellent concepts incorporated here in a manner that does not step hard on toes but tugs gently and firmly at the heart and soul. I loved all of it, so well written and wrapped in pearls of truth. I owe a debt of gratitude to BonnieQ for pointing me in your direction, and agree wholeheartedly with her about how outstanding this is! ~~Quasar~~
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Sweetpea, you just put my entry to shame. This is incredibly good, Truth so well said. When people say it is impossible to obey God's Law, I find myself standing in stunned wonder. His Son not only taught them but gave us a living example of obeying all twelve: else He would not have fulfilled the prophecy of "He will magnify my law and make it honorable among men." Religion, as opposed to Christianity, teaches we are saved by grace and grace alone. If this were true, then Jesus wasted His time teaching His Father's Will. After all, grace is to be called; obedience is to be chosen: "for many are called, few are chosen."
God is so awesome when He shows us the light and brings us to its loving warmth. May all who read this magnificent poem be blessed with the value it gives to all who will receive it.
Good luck in the contest, dear one! Love and hugs, BonnieQ
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illuminating
You wrote this beautifully..a spirit whos beauty shines brightly through her written word..
I stand in awe ~standing~
much love & peace
~Pamela -
Thanks ForeverChanged, this is what I brought back from the darkness. It is entirely personal, others may have a different experience, or they may have it later. Thank you for your applause and encouraging comment.
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Wonderfull
I'm loving this =D it's really beautiful poetry. I can tell it comes from within your heart -- it does mean more than something to you. Great job in expressing it!
~Angie~ -
Deep
Its deep and meaningful. I agree with the message behind the poem. Rock on! -
Excellent
I agree with all that has been said in this poem, Our faith is in ourself, how we choose to call it is our own decision. A beacon is a terrific explanation of faith, with a constant light shining our path. Thank you for penning it so well
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wow, this rocked! It was so thought provoking like reading the meaning of life (so to speak!
) Wonderfully written too, flowed perfectly. Well done!
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perfect!!!
one word for this =perfect!!! -
Thank you Mary!
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this one will be added to my author's page along side 'stillness'. what being truly spiritual really means is described flawlessly in this piece. your first stanza of the second sonnet is astounding in insight and phrased so perfectly. i agree completely with your sentiment. one of your best works. beautifully written!!
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Thank you barbtries, for your applause and support!
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well done, and i liked it
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I think that Edith Wharton was quoted as saying,
'It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.'
I agree...besides, the flames are lovely to watch...
~~~ Wanda ~~~ -
Thanks Grey Mist, I'm glad you liked it enough to applaud.
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Hi Night Hope, your motto says in one line, what it took me a double sonnet to express! I am lucky (or blessed) that my faith community is trying to cultivate these spiritual values.
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Thank you ille, I'm glad that I was able to make my thinking clear.
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Thanks, idontno, for your enthusiastic comment!
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Thanks Duana, for the reference to JD Hall, I'll have to look him up. We each have a little light!
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Thanks, Wolfbane, it is a fine challenge you have here, and I wish you luck in the judging!
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Thank you, Chuck, for your encouraging comment!
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its awsome but i dont have any more applouds because i gave them to my friend that just joind well its great
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Beautiful write, Poet!!! Kinda partial
to your background, as well...I used it for my author's page...
something about that Light in the Dark, a TRUE
BEACON for weary Souls, lost upon their Paths...I've
attended many churches of many various denominations
over the years...came to the conclusion (enforced) that
I am more Spiritual than Religious...I VERY MUCH believe
in God & His Higher Power...just have a problem with
rampant, blatant & hurtful hypocrisy...believe in The
Golden Rule; all major religions have an equivalent
within their sacred writings...& it JUST MAKES SENSE...
being cruel requires so much more expense of energy!!!
I've always felt that, when people continually throw
bricks at your garden...you simply MUST keep planting
flowers!!! Thanks for sharing...
~~~ Wanda ~~~ Night Hope...Day Dreaming...swan
Edited on Aug 29, 10:40 because ''. -
great! i can clearly understand that the messege that the judge asked you to present in your poem. very spiritual and intellectual thought. ppl who ruin the name of their religion are ignorants.
~~ille -
woo this was gr8t work yay i loved it
gr8t work keep it up
love
† sara †
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The darkness is a pressure on our eyes
that forces us to take a look within,
to see the brokenness in us, the lies,
to give resolve to put away our sin.
If you can imagine this stanza you wrote is SUPPOSED to be the root and basis of Christianity. We are supposed to face the darkness fully, and then the light is revealed. I love the wway you wrote this. Your theolgy is a very similar view to
John Douglas Hall, a McGill University Professor, who wrote one of my favorite books "Lighten Your Darkness". -
Beautifully expressed! The heart and soul shining through this piece is wonderful to behold. You've done a marvelous job keeping within the guidelines of the contest and done it well. Thanks for entering and the best of luck to you. Wonderful, expressive piece!
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Writing from the heart is the only way to write. Yours reflects that. I encourage you to continue this style.
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Thank you Nadir. I wrote this to settle my own heart this evening, and that it warms yours is pleasing.
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heart-warming
Peaseeker you are, indeed, a tallented sonneteer. this is an absolutely lovely expression of real spirituallity and my hat is off to you.
Many Blessings and best of luck in the contest.
Del
Edited on Aug 28, 11:32 p.m. because '(sp)'. -
Thank you YYC! You are too kind, I'm not there yet, but I'm working on it!
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Peaseeker: Beacon Light Personified
Peaseeker: Beacon Light Personified
What a joy to read this double Sonnet written by a poet who, to me, is a "Beacon Light". When I come onto AllPoetry it doesn't take long before words appear via an IM throwing a life long to keep hanging on. She has such a kind heart that she shares with so many. Her beacon light always brings happiness to those who haven't got any.
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Thank you for your kind comment and applause! It's true, our greatest beacons were and are not mild all the time.
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Beautifully written, and very well said, M.
It is a shame that many do confuse meekness and compliance with real spirituality which, of course, is not necessarily so.
It takes courage to go 'against the stream', and be accused of 'transgression' in order to reveal a truth for the greater good.
~ G
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Excellent!
Very nicely done!
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