Contemplation … (Poetry Monthly)

By Rhiannonw

Thu, 09 Jul 2015
  • 2091 reads
6 comments
 

From prison bars we see them gaze,
amazed that such divergent ways
had brought them both this view to see,
which soon a scene of death will be –
by axe, or rope, or firing squad …
for one because of faith in God,
the other, deeds of violent hate –
but now they both look out and wait:
one sees the mud, the grave and fear,
one sees his Master’s welcome near
– glory much more than stars above,
supporting grace, eternal love –
he says, ‘My friend, pray mercy now,
it’s not too late God’s grace to know,
then when we reach the yard below,
together we will onward, upward go …’

 

Certificate 12
Poem
Miscellaneous
Philosophy

Comments

Submitted by london_calling79 on

A modern version of the two criminals Jesus spoke to whilst on the cross? I enjoyed the rhythm.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Well I had that in mind partly, and of course Christ being crucified when totally innocent, and so much more violent persecution and summary executions occurring at present, and sometimes Christians finding themselves able to help and comfort others when unjustly in jail. but it all started off with the jingle 'Two men look out from prison bars, one saw mud and the other saw stars …' !

Thanks for commenting, Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

Such a poignant poem - showing two different approaches to an awaiting violent death. 

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

and the possibility they became the same approach even at that last hour?
thanks again for comment, Jean. This seemed to well up when I was our on a walk, and then a passenger in the car going home! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Rhiannon...this piece, as ever, inspired.  I never heard that jingle you mention before, but I shall always remember it, now...thanks to you. So much said in a handful of words.

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Tina, very much. Appreciated. Rhiannon