tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64248483867258978182024-02-08T03:56:18.575-08:00Pharsea's PoemsPharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-72751985956599003902014-11-05T02:15:00.001-08:002014-11-05T02:15:08.694-08:00The Popish Plot
<h3 class="western" style="background: transparent; page-break-before: always;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;"><sup><a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"></a></sup></span></span></h3>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Under
the hallowed halls </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">the
noble band had hid</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">cask
on cask of powder </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">as
stalwart Fawkes had bid.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
morn before King James </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">came
to address his Lords</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">they
crept unseen through darkest gloom</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">most
unaware of their fell doom</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">down
narrow ways unto that room</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">where
waited men with swords.</span></span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">To
deeds extreme Fawkes had been led </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">by
agents of the Crown, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">who
sought full long, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">through
shire and town,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">some
hapless man who’d loose his head</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">when
he had carefully been fed</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">a
silly, hopeless plan.</span></span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">“Alas,
we are found out!” </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">cried
Fawkes, full of alarm.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">“We
are betrayed! Flee if you can!” </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">as
he did spy the harm</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">that
waited in the form of men</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">intent
to thwart his naïve plot</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">to
kill the King, the royal Scott,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
so to end the state’s foul rot</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">that
stank as stagnant fen.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent; page-break-before: always;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">The brave
souls were beat down</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
trampled under foot</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">their
hands were bound, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">their
necks were bent</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">their
hope was from them cut.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">They
were brought forth in day’s sad ray</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">their
love for Pope and slight of King</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">made
plain for all the folk to see:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
they did anthems sing!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Unto
a gallows tree</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">the
plotters were soon brought</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
they did dangle most merrily</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">as
of the Earth their feet came short.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
people did rejoice </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
tell with glee full keen</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">how
good it was that popish plot</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">had
wisely foil<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">è</span>d been.</span></span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">And
now we labour hard </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">’neath
traitors’ iron hand</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">(of
Whiggish temperament </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">who
of their ill will not relent)</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
hanker after that good Guy</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">who
would have downcast tyranny</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
set fair justice on the seat</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">so
all might have what’s meet.</span></span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-84882056350186514012014-10-02T06:52:00.001-07:002014-10-02T06:55:23.361-07:00For Esdras<h3 class="western" style="page-break-before: always;">
</h3>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">Q.
What about those poor folk whose life is so limited that they cannot
possibly benefit from it?</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">A1.
You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">A2.
Processes sometimes have unavoidable waste- or side-products.</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">A3.
God’s justice will certainly prevail; even if we can’t see how at
present.</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">A4.
Perhaps some souls are reincarnated.</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">A5.
Perhaps some homo-sapiens are not full human beings, but only
un-inspirited shells.</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;"><b>Es</b>dras
<b>asked</b> the <b>an</b>gel: “<b>Why</b> does <b>God</b> al<b>low</b>
such <b>waste?</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">It
<b>seems</b> to <b>me</b> that <b>there</b> are <b>ma</b>ny <b>birthed</b>
– or <b>die</b> be<b>fore</b> they’re <b>born</b> – </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">who
<b>have</b> no <b>joy</b> of <b>life </b>and <b>in</b>suf<b>fi</b>cient
<b>chance</b> to <b>learn</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">what’s
<b>good</b> and <b>bad.</b> I <b>mean</b> the <b>con</b>gen<b>it</b>al<b>ly</b>
in<b>sane,</b> </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">the
<b>des</b>ti<b>tute</b> who <b>starve,</b> those <b>formed</b>
with<b>out</b> a <b>brain;</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">those
<b>sub</b>ject <b>to </b>at<b>ro</b>cit<b>ies</b> which <b>scarred</b>
their <b>soul,</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">un<b>ab</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">le</span>
<b>to</b> en<b>ter</b>tain <b>hope</b> and <b>ne</b>ver <b>to</b> be
<b>whole.”</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">The
<b>an</b>gel <b>re</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">plied</span><b>
to</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Es</span><b>dras</b>: “<span style="font-weight: normal;">This</span>
<b>is</b> a <b>mys</b>te<b>ry,</b> I <b>know;</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">but
<b>here</b> are <b>cer</b>tain <b>clues.</b> First: <b>in</b> this
<b>world</b> of <b>base</b> mat<b>ter, </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">the
<b>be</b>get<b>ting</b> of <b>a</b> dia<b>mond</b> is <b>part</b> of
<b>a</b> much <b>grea</b>ter <b>scope</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">which,
<b>though</b> it <b>yields</b> bar<b>ren</b> clin<b>ker.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">is
<b>nec</b>es<b>sa</b>ry <b>if</b> that <b>best </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">bright</span><b>
crys</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">tal </span><b>and</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ce</span><b>lest</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">ial</span><b>
star</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">is
<b>to</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">be</span> <b>made,</b> as
<b>sac</b>ra<b>ment</b> of <b>sure</b> ter<b>rest</b>rial <b>hope.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Se<b>cond</b>:
as <b>God</b> is <b>good</b> the <b>Heavens</b> must <b>grant </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">to
<b>eve</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">ry</span> <b>sen</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">tient</span>
<b>being</b> the <b>full</b>est <b>chance</b> of <b>grace</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">(af<b>ford</b>ed
<b>well</b> by <b>o</b>ver<b>flow</b>ing <b>might</b> ex<b>ub</b>er<b>ant)</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">suf<b>fic</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">i</span>ent
<b>to</b> come <b>safe</b> home <b>by</b> their <b>fin</b>al <b>pace;</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">for
<b>else</b> a <b>cru</b>el <b>ty</b>rant <b>God</b> would <b>sure</b>ly
<b>be,</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
</span><b>that</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is </span><b>not</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the </span><b>as</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">pect </span><b>of</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span>those <b>Per</b>sons <b>Three</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">who
<b>are</b> Cre<b>a</b>tor <b>and</b> Re<b>dee</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">mer</span>
<b>of</b> this <b>place.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">This
<b>means</b> that <b>eve</b>ry <b>soul</b> that’s <b>blessed</b>
with <b>con</b>scious<b>ness</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">must
<b>have</b> a <b>life</b> that’s <b>apt</b> and <b>ad</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">e</span><b>quate</b>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">for</span> <b>its</b> full
<b>ed</b>u<b>cation. </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Hence
<b>if</b> a <b>per</b>son’s<b> lott</b>ed <b>span</b> and <b>qual</b>i<b>ty</b>
of <b>days </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">does
<b>not</b> ful<b>fil</b> this <b>goal,</b> they <b>mus</b>t be <b>giv’n</b>
a <b>supp</b>le<b>ment</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">ary</span>
<b>term.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">The
<b>fact</b> that <b>when</b> they’re <b>re</b>born <b>they</b> have
<b>no</b> re<b>call </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
<b>their</b> past <b>life,</b> tells <b>clear</b>ly <b>that</b> it
<b>was</b> of <b>no</b> ac<b>count</b> at <b>all.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">There
<b>is</b> a <b>fi</b>nal <b>pos</b>si<b>bi</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">li</span><b>ty</b>:
that <b>some</b> who <b>tread</b> the <b>boards </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
<b>this</b> nar<b>row</b> and <b>fra</b>gile <b>stage</b> are <b>not</b>
quite <b>wha</b>t they <b>seem</b> to <b>be;</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">but
<b>on</b>ly <b>bit</b> parts <b>in</b> the <b>play.</b> Their <b>out</b>ward
<b>form</b> af<b>fords</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">a
<b>dis</b>guise <b>of</b> be<b>hav</b>iour; <b>but</b> being<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><b>me</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">re </span><b>an</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">droids,
</span><b>they</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">aren’t
</span><b>pro</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">per </span><b>men</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who </span><b>know</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and
</span><b>un</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">der</span><b>stand</b>
and <b>see.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">So
<b>ma</b>ny <b>folk</b> seem <b>fake: </b>pa<b>per</b> peo<b>ple</b>,
fol<b>ded</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">o</span><b>ri</b>ga<b>mi.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Per<b>haps</b>
this s<b>eem</b>ing <b>is</b> re<b>al</b>i<b>ty</b> and <b>each</b>
is <b>a</b> me<b>re</b> zom<b>bie:</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">un<b>dead
</b>ra<b>ther</b> than <b>liv</b>ing – <b>souls</b> with<b>out</b>
a <b>spark</b>. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Such
<b>cy</b>phers <b>have</b> no <b>need</b> for <b>a</b>ny <b>last</b>ing
<b>fame;</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">but
<b>can,</b> with<b>out</b> com<b>plaint</b>, pass <b>on</b> in<b>to</b>
the <b>dark.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Being
<b>de</b>void <b>of</b> a <b>con</b>scious <b>flame;</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">their
<b>on</b>ly <b>pur</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">pose </span><b>is</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to</span> <b>be</b> the <b>con</b>text <b>and</b> the <b>frame </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">f<span style="font-weight: normal;">or
</span><b>those</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> fair </span><b>spi</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">rit
</span><b>gems</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">which</span> <b>are</b>
God’s <b>fin</b>al <b>aim.</b></span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-803297981714382872014-10-02T05:23:00.000-07:002014-10-02T05:23:47.856-07:00Job's Complaint<i>Q1. Why doesn’t God prevent natural disasters? </i><br />
<i>Q2. We don’t seem to have anything to learn from “Acts of God”!</i><br />
<br />
<i>A1.F
or all we know God regularly intervenes to prevent and mitigate natural
disasters. How can we know what God averted given that it was averted?
If God preserved ignorant human beings from natural disasters the
foundation of “moral hazard” would be undermined.The end in view is of
such great value that it justifies the necessary means, the down-side of
which pales into insignificance once the final outcome is grasped.</i><br />
<i>A2.
If God averted all natural disasters this would amount to subverting
the very basis of Physical Law which holds the whole world in being.
Although this would be possible it would make the world fundamentally
irrational and at the best very difficult for human beings to “do
science”. In deed it might very well entirely demotivate them from this
enterprise.</i><br />
<br />
<b>The voice of Job cries out to Heaven:</b> “What have I done?<br />
There’s no just cause for all my liability<br />
to suffer earthquake, hurricane and techtonic eruption.<br />
Why must my best laid plans all end up in futility?<br />
I’m plagued and starved and threatened by corruption<br />
and after my set time by prospect of senility!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The voice of God replies to Job: </b>“Mark well these words my son, <br />
you’ve no just case against me.<br />
For you have no idea what I’ve already done<br />
for all my folk who live beneath the rainbow gay<br />
which is my favour’s pledge to all humanity.<br />
Your notion of what by physic’s law must come<br />
is based on what you see from day to day<br />
but this is full of my preventive action<br />
how will you then renormalise my grace away?<br />
If I were reticent in giving benediction<br />
the state of things would be much more awry!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Now Job retorts, in flaming woe:</b> “It would be hard to bear<br />
if only sinners came to such calamity,<br />
but often it’s the just and kind who suffer<br />
this seems to me a great profanity!<br />
You exploit the innocent for sport. <br />
Not content with their servility,<br />
You love to see their red blood spurt.<br />
Delighting in their vulnerability<br />
you shoot your barbs, and cut their sad lives short!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>God makes response, with kindly sense:</b> “But pain and death are not as bad <br />
as they may seem; for there’s a life beyond the grave.<br />
I take no pleasure in what makes you sad<br />
it is my will to prosper you and save<br />
you from all ill. I have no need <br />
for entertainment of that kind <br />
or any other! I want you to succeed<br />
and in this wondrous world to find<br />
much joy! My business is for you to learn <br />
to tell what’s good from what is not,<br />
and my unfeigned respect to earn.<br />
Moral hazard’s necessary if your sort<br />
is ever to exceed what’s natural<br />
and so be worthy of the Life Eternal.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>But Job is not remotely satisfied</b> and shouts: “You say that we <br />
must learn to tell what’s right from wrong<br />
by finding out the upshot of our agency;<br />
but the actions of which my feeble tongue<br />
makes its sincere complaint are Thine, <br />
O God inscrutable –not mine!<br />
<br />
What am I supposed to learn from them?<br />
It seems, at best, that You don’t care; <br />
for if You did, You’d intervene <br />
to stop them taking effect where<br />
the innocent would elsewise suffer – <br />
if You were at all just and fair.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>God answers Job, most patiently: </b>“An option’s risk being understood, <br />
if you take it, then that’s your doom!<br />
Choose active fault line as your neighbourhood,<br />
or else the shadow of volcanic cone,<br />
or plateau scoured often by tornadoes,<br />
or shore which tzunamis frequent;<br />
than you must accept all of those<br />
outcomes which flow – or else repent.<br />
<br />
The evils of which you make moan<br />
are not my acts intentional <br />
but certain and most sure outcome<br />
of Cosmic rule conventional<br />
which solid holds the World as one.<br />
<br />
I must not subsidise your folly<br />
for then you could not learn.<br />
The preservation of your autonomy<br />
(which is a great and glorious good )<br />
requires that I am resolute and stern.<br />
This of my business is foundational<br />
though repent of it I now would;<br />
were making Man divine not my whole goal.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>A final point, Job pleads with God:</b> “You should at least the ignorant show pity<br />
averting dangers of which they don’t know.<br />
If they are unaware that their fair city <br />
sits on a crack that’s fit to make it rock and roll,<br />
or have no clue their scenic mount<br />
is filled with magma, and so soon <br />
with pumice and with flame will fount <br />
and like a lanced carbuncle spume;<br />
then You should reign back every law <br />
for they're secure only as far <br />
as You allow. You’re able to act for<br />
the innocent, if for them You do care –<br />
as You claimed when challenged, after<br />
Your first supper, with your dear friend, before<br />
the fiery doom on Sodom and sad Gomorrah <br />
was cast down. Then the innocent You saw<br />
and You did a good while forebear!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>God then replies from the gyre of His grace:</b> “If the volcano’s blast ne’er hurt<br />
those who knew not its power to harm,<br />
and I always shielded the ignorant,<br />
this would discourage the naïve to learn.<br />
<br />
Ish and Ishsha were secured in Eden<br />
by My strict pedagoguey of their innocence <br />
but to explore beyond that narrow glen<br />
they had to taste experience.<br />
<br />
If things were not how they are now, <br />
you’d have no reason truth to know.<br />
The more that you came to see how<br />
things work, and did in wisdom grow;<br />
grasping the designs of the world:<br />
the less you would be able to rely <br />
on my sure aid, as being curled<br />
up in my gentle arms, safely.<br />
<br />
No sooner than you realised this fact<br />
you’d seek out that knowledge no more <br />
which your first paradisial state had lacked;<br />
but rather your naïvety you would try to restore!<br />
<br />
This would undo human autonomy <br />
and worthy self-respect<br />
and its an outcome which I hope you’ll see <br />
I rightly do reject.”Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-45244134614013713682014-09-21T07:16:00.002-07:002014-09-21T07:16:59.765-07:00Heaven and Hell
<h3 class="western" style="page-break-before: always;">
</h3>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">Why
do we have to learn about good and evil in this life? </span></i>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">What
use is this knowledge in the next life? </span></i>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">If
there is no evil in Heaven why do we need to know about it at all?</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">In
the future we will live together</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">(and
with mighty God) for ever.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Now,
God is fire, and “Hell is other folk” </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">(a
truth that once a cynic spoke)</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">so
we must learn to be most careful</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">if
we’re to prosper in that state eternal.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">
</span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Heaven
and Hell are the same country:</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">both
are God’s proximity. Whether we </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">are
damned or blessed depends on our soul’s state.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">A
feast is set, but will we fight </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">over
it’s spread – or each other f<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">è</span>te,
and so full sate </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">our
hunger for what’s best? A hearth is stoked, but will its heat </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">for
us be vital energy or else vile enthalpy our souls to sublimate?</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
desert bush was not consum<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">e</span>d
</span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">by
God’s self revelation.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
Jewish threesome stood secure and sound </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">within
the conflagration</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">which
was lit by whim </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">of
Persian King’s decree; for they </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">were
tended by the seraphim </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">with
flaming wings: angelic serpent fey.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">
</span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
lake of sulphurous flame of which we’re told</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">can
be the purging fire of the divine Eros</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">–
which smelts the slag of sin from spiritual gold – </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">or
else the doom of souls that are no more than dross.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">In
this world we are remote from God’s fierce heat, </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">and
can train ourselves by stubborn perseverance </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">in
works of love, until we’re holy and complete</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">and
ready to endure for endless days God’s countenance.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-69976559501905723122014-09-21T07:15:00.002-07:002014-09-21T07:15:15.742-07:00Necessary Evil
<h3 class="western">
</h3>
<div class="western">
<i>Why doesn’t God nip all evil in the bud, so
as to eradicate suffering?</i></div>
<div class="western">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Our
business is to learn that death is sin’s most necessary recompense;</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">and
so to choose what’s right, not wrong, without a hint of diffidence.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">This
we can only do if every choice has its sure consequence.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">There
must be moral hazard, founded on unswerving law;</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">or
else between wisdom and folly there would be no difference,</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">there
would be no divide between what’s reckless and prudence.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">If
on jumping from a precipice I did not fall to stony floor,</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">always
being rescued by an angel’s hand; <span style="font-style: normal;">pre</span>sumption
hyperbolic</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">(that’s
filled with risk and self-despond) would be remade as merry frolic!</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">–
which would, after not long, become most tedious, and nothing more.</span></span></b></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-71889550532672551282014-09-21T07:11:00.000-07:002014-09-21T07:11:46.100-07:00An uncomfortable truth
<h3 class="western">
</h3>
<div class="western">
<i>Why is there any such thing as evil at all?</i></div>
<div class="western">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">Why does
suffering arise as a possibility in the first place?</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">For
life to exist, there has to be</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">of
life’s compromise the possibility.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Flux
can only produce stability</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">in
the presence of non-linearity</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">and
this necessitates catastrophe – </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">that’s
a mathematical certainty.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Hence
life implies calamity.</span></b></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-56022069743684884692014-09-21T07:08:00.004-07:002014-09-21T07:10:09.192-07:00Answering Epicurus <h3 class="western" style="page-break-before: always;">
</h3>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background: transparent;">Doesn’t
the existence of suffering in the world make it irrational to believe
in God?</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">“If
God is just and of great might then why
does pain abound? </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">It
seems that either God does nothing care,
and so cannot be kind;</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">or
else that God cannot save us, and so
cannot be powerful. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">So<span style="font-weight: normal;">
if </span>you insist that God is good and
omnipotent, if God be real at all; </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">then
God cannot be real: for suffering
is certain sure enough! </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Nature’s
red in tooth and claw, and merely to
survive is tough! </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Unanswered,
Abel’s blood to heaven does clearly
call!” </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
Hindu says that suffering is always
well deserved. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Those
who seem innocent are guilty
nonetheless. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Karma’s
been accrued by them in a life previous.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
evil they did do before has been
conserved </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">and
justice now its sure revenge is taking </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Each
victim is their own atonement making, </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">for
sins committed in the past they’re
paying. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
Buddha tells us suffering’s not real,
but a delusion: </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">attachment
to the things of matter causes us
confusion. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
<span style="font-weight: normal;">soul</span> must be
freed from physical encumbrance,</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">and
rise above the realm of pain and find
its peace </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">in
merging selflessly and wholly with
the One </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">by
</span>med<span style="font-weight: normal;">it</span>ation,
<span style="font-weight: normal;">and </span>cease<span style="font-weight: normal;">less</span>ly<span style="font-weight: normal;">
re</span>peat<span style="font-weight: normal;">ing </span>“Om”. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
</span>De<span style="font-weight: normal;">ist </span>tells
<span style="font-weight: normal;">us</span> that<span style="font-weight: normal;">
God’s </span>just<span style="font-weight: normal;">ice</span>
is<span style="font-weight: normal;"> r</span>emote. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">For
af<span style="font-weight: normal;">ter </span>all,
we’re tiny things, of little note. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">God
observes the world <span style="font-weight: normal;">from
</span>a<span style="font-weight: normal;"> great </span>dist<span style="font-weight: normal;">ance,</span> </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">caring
nothing for our plight. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For
</span>though<span style="font-weight: normal;"> God’s </span>great,<span style="font-weight: normal;">
He </span>looks<span style="font-weight: normal;"> at </span>us<span style="font-weight: normal;">
as</span>kance. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">He
has no empathy with our life’s fight
</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">’gainst
suffering,<span style="font-weight: normal;"> de</span>cay<span style="font-weight: normal;">
and </span>faction: </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">our
pain is not a worthy motive for
God’s action. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
Gnostic claims the Cosmos is imperfect. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
World was neither God’s intent nor
act. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">God
is omnipotent, and just and whole; </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">but
the Creator was incompetent in
craft. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
Universe is flawed, but this is not
God’s fault. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">It
nev<span style="font-weight: normal;">er </span>was<span style="font-weight: normal;">
God’s</span> business, its making not His
goal.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
Cosmos cannot be redee<span style="font-weight: normal;">med.
</span>Matter is sick at heart;</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">but
freedom can be won, by means occult, </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">for
spirits in it trapped, who thence for Heaven
depart.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Calvin
says that our idea of good is not
correct. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">God
rightly gives us pain: for we deserve
no better! </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">If
God elects to <span style="font-style: normal;">help,</span>
His power can this effect: </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">for
nothing may God’s sovereign will impede
or fetter; </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">but
being ill, we have no right this to
expect, </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">and
if God damns us, we may not object. </span></b></div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Sa<span style="font-weight: normal;">tan
</span>says<span style="font-weight: normal;"> that </span>God’s
not just, but is a monster. </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">His
entertainment lies in caus<span style="font-weight: normal;">ing</span>
us to suffer.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">There
is no good or ill; but only power, </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">and
those who are afraid to exercise
their share. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">In
or<span style="font-weight: normal;">der</span> to
survive, you have to fight and strive.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Don’t
look for any help. You’re on your own.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Learn
<span style="font-weight: normal;">that</span> you can only
live and thrive </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">at
the expense of those <span style="font-weight: normal;">you’ve</span>
battered down.</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">The
wise believe that suff’ring has a
purpose. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">Our
business in this world is for ourselves
to learn </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">the
difference between what’s wrong and
right: </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">to
ready ourselves for being with each other
</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">and
with the tri-une living God for ever. </span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">As
yet, we are from God’s great <span style="font-style: normal;">flam</span>ing
disk, </span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">remote:
and may awhile prepare ourselves to bask
</span></b>
</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: transparent;">in
God’s most searing, bright and fearsome
light. </span></b></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-81899855871269687312014-01-31T06:16:00.000-08:002014-01-31T06:19:23.469-08:00The Madness of Frederick<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">As
a boy </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">I
was taught </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">right
from wrong </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">by
parents </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
by clerks </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">dressed
down in fulgin cloaks.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">I
was told “thou shalt not” </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">by
belligerent busibodies</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">who
owned the divine rules </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">as
their own shackles</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
urgently pressed </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">those
moral chains </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">on
my full-virile frame:</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">seeking
to hold me down, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">so
they might rape my mind.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">The
tirade of their words made no sense to me. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Obedience
and observance are no virtues</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">they
merit nothing </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">for
they comprehend nothing.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">They
are empty of soul and spirit </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
dark as the deepest abyss.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">To
conform to imperial diktat </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">is
to abdicate one's own crown,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">to
resign one's own humanity </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
forswear one's own existence:</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">aping
some abstract essence </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">foreign
to one's own truth</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">which
must be found and forged </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">in
the coil of life.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Their
God is dead for me.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">He
serves no use, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">has
no crevice in my life.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">What
need have I of any tyrant governor, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">who
seeks only to carp </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
criticise my acts,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">curtail
my will </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
circumscribe my manhood.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">And
yet, if God is dead,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
rule of good and ill is passed away,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">than
how can I survive?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">What
sets my way, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">directs
my path?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">What
aim or end </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">can
hold my heart's intent</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
give me hope?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Without
an ethic, how can I live:</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">or
even set life apart from death?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">It
seems I must make up my own</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
pass beyond the fancy-land </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
good and evil </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">to
the unknown country </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
want and will</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">from
make-believe </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">to
made-belief!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">I
must impose my will </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">on
an empty world,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">project
my private rational account </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">on
a futile public pageant, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">bereft
of sense.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">But
if this lore </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">is
nothing other </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">than
want and will,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">how
can it bind </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">or
help or guide?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">How
can it be more </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">than
wanton urge</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
lowly brute, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">not
the noble aspirations </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
lofty ambitions </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
superior man?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">Pursuit
of pleasure does not suffice,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">no
lasting satisfaction provide;</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">but
only fleeting respite </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">before
the dismal dawning </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
the next drear day.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">If
will to power is all; </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">then
what is that power for?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">What
motivates its exercise, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">directs
its choice of act?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">There
is no point in ability to do </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">if
there's no point in doing anything!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">It
seems my mind must know </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">(or
at least glimpse)</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">what
is desirable and what desire is for </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">before
my will can reasonably desire at all.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; page-break-before: always;">
<span style="background: transparent;">I am confused and stare into
the abyss </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
my whirling thoughts </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">which
will not rest and </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">where
there is no peace </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">nor
hope nor joy.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">From
out that chasm </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">of
woe </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">my
gaze is turned back </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">onto
me.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">At
first I fear </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
then I find a clue:</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">to
know myself, that is my task:</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
in that knowledge </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">disclose
what's good for me</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">by
virtue of mine own constituent form</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
so unearth,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">by
delvings of my reasoned mind,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">what
I most need, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">what
I may do, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">and
what I must forego.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">I
have to mine within myself </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">a
precious ore: the lode-stone</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">to
direct my own way by.</span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-91878020235867514682014-01-31T01:23:00.001-08:002014-01-31T01:25:48.343-08:00Departures<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">First
to go was David, </span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">hostage
to father’s work.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">No
adult cared ’bout what they did </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">the
precious bond they broke.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
stood and cried outside </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">the
house where I had played, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
which to me was now denied. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
was gone, I know not where;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
always for him I shall care.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">My
bedmate’s end was then decreed:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">“That
duck must be undone!”</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
do not know who did the deed;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
his frail fabric off was flayed:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">soap
and flannel of him was made.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Of
resurrection hope there’s none.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Karl
was dear, we hugged and held; </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
off to Oz he went.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Long
years until again we spoke </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">were
separately spent.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Then
tears of joy did whelm my eyes:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">till
he did vanish into cyberspace, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">with
no clue of why; </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">or
what then I could do:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">or
even of an act or unkind word </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">which
I should sorely rue.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Next
my mother went to heaven, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">slaughtered
by a stroke.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">To
hold me fast God promised then,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
my heart almost broke.</span></span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">David
danced into my life, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">then
danced again away:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">except
one latter day,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">when
he remembered naught </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
that strange play </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">when
I did nearly go awry.</span></span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Deepest
loved was Adrian.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
better far than I my love did ken;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
Pete then Julie had his heart,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
so from me he did depart.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">I’ll
not see him again!</span></span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Nick
and Philip, Tom and John, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">shared
faith and college years;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
seasons came and now are gone</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
they did me forsake;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">save
John, who kept troth ’gainst my fears,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">until
that bond I’d sadly brake</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">for
fear of hurt I could not take.</span></span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">An
elven flautist ’tranced my soul.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">With
questing mind and hopeful heart,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">striding
into my life he came.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
glimpsed the part and saw the whole;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
even his name does now my mem’ry flee.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Derek
was dear, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">he
taught me much, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
slighted him, I fear.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">To
southern land he went </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
we lost touch;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
grace was sent: </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">so
rather than my sin full drear</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">should
bind me in the grave,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">he
lately me forgave.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">My
heart, Keith warmed,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
Wales his formed:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">the
rock from which his being was wrent,<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"></a></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">so
he took off with glee for Gwent.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Of
Pauls let less be said</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">than
floods right through my head.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">One
despoiled my soul, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">one
despised me whole</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">one
pursued his goal </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">to
teach the poor </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
Africa; </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">then
follow the spoor </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
feminine lure </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">to
America. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">All
are for me no more.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent; page-break-before: always;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Henry
burst into my world,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">as
poet’s muse and mad daemon;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">he
gave me life, but now he’s gone</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
I am dead within.</span></span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">Last,
Philip loved and learned: </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">the
son I never had;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
off he flew, to Orient far,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
in search of wife,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">renouncing
faith, he left my life</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
made me sad.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">And
so it goes: the eternal train</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
broken faith and forg<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">è</span>d
chain;</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
given love and taken pain.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">My
only hope for my own gain:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
this frail life I’ll soon be free,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">for
all of these are lost to me.</span></span></div>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote-western">
<br /></div>
</div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-58369342095583053362013-02-12T11:27:00.002-08:002013-02-12T12:18:17.362-08:00Resurrection<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Today my Love has returned
to me.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The Love that is Life </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;"> and can know no death, yet
died </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">for love of those who know
not love.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Today my Love has returned
to me.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">My heart now bursts with
life and joy: </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;"> the hope which had fled</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">is born anew and will not
fade again.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Today my Love has returned
to me.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He holds me in His arms and
will not let me go. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;"> God, who bled </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and died for me <span lang="en-GB">heals
my hurting heart.</span></span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-23954360444368846862013-02-12T11:26:00.004-08:002013-02-12T12:18:40.272-08:00The Harrowing of Hell<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Today Light invades the
darkness.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The darkness has no power</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">it can not understand the
Light<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">it has no substance nor
form.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Today the gates of Hell are
broken.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Today Satan’s conceit is
shown.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Today his petty power is
overthrown.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The souls of the just cry
out with joy:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">“Welcome to Thee, Oh
Christ our God!</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Holy Divine One,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Holy Strong One,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Holy Immortal One:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Thou art come to deliver us </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">from out the grave</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and to have mercy on us!”</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Their trials are over. </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Their
hope is fulfilled.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Their joy is complete. </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The
new bearer of Light,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the True Day-Star, the
Faithful One</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the Lord of Life is come to
them.</span></div>
<h1 class="western">
</h1>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote-western">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818" name="joh1-5"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818" name="a"></a><a class="sdendnotesym" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>“And
the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it
not.” [Jn 1:3 KJV]</div>
</div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-18613239305134796892013-02-12T11:24:00.003-08:002013-02-12T11:43:41.060-08:00Judas' Lament<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Thirty pieces of silver, a
slave’s price, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I took for the life of the
Lord of Life.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Not out of greed, nor drear
despite;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but out of love: twisted,
yet bright.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I cared to be noted. </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">To be a
part of His world:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">preferring lambent hate </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">(not
to be ignored)</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">to dim indifference; </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">for
she’s the truly frigid</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">antagonist of ardour’s
heat. </span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He blessed my bread </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">then, with gentlest
deference,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He urged me on my way.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"></a></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">So with Him then I could not
rightly stay,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and I stepped into the
night:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">not out of spite, nor sweet
revenge; </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but out of love: twisted yet
bright.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I desired to affect Him. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">To constrict Him to react to
my brazen act. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Not to reject me: but
account me </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">as a relevant and worthy
opponent:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He knelt in prayer, his soul
alight with fear and pain. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I gave him my kiss: </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">not out of treason, nor
harsh betrayal;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but out of love: twisted yet
bright.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="color: black;">He
called me friend. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">For me He’s to die. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Of love there is no greater
token:<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote2sym" name="sdendnote2anc"></a></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">not kind caress, nor gentle
word. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Now my heart is broken.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The silver pieces I did
return,<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote3sym" name="sdendnote3anc"></a></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">redeeming the life I’d
sadly sold:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">not out of anger, nor wish
to slight;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but out of love: twisted yet
bright.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Now He is mine, as He hangs
on high</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and redeems my life from the
grave.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Not out of need, or hope of
gain;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but out of love: faithful
and brave.</span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-40989705626885024712013-02-12T11:22:00.005-08:002013-02-12T12:18:55.801-08:00Palm Sunday<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Into the City He rides; </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but
not as conquering hero.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He rides not in majesty, </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but
in soul-felt lowly sorrow.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He rides on a donkey’s
foal </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">caught up in the flow </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of acclaim: of shallow </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">celebrity and mirth,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">His passion’s start will
show</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">this fame’s full worth.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The eve of His last dark </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Passover draws nigh </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and His sweet soul </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">does
languish with a sigh.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He knows full-well the fate </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of those who enter by this gate.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The prophets stoned, </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">or cast
down wells </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;"> to drown in irksome mud.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He knows full-well His fate </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">that’s set by entering this gate.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">His body scourged and strung
on high</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;"> to drain its Precious
Blood.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He knows full-well the fate </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of sinners held behind the gate</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of Hades – bound awhile –
awaiting Him </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;"> to ’claim their hapless
good.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">We welcome Him </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">with cheers
and hollow hoots.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">We greet our own
expectations </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and sallow hopes.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hosanna to the Son of David!
</span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hosanna liberating Prince!</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hosanna provider of our
need! </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hosanna social reformer!</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hosanna to God’s prophet
deer! </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hosanna kind and good
teacher!</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hosanna wonder-working seer!</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">We cast our rags before his
feet, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">hoping that He’ll stoop
and put them on </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and what we most desire
He’ll then become:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">be re-made in our image,
accept the gown </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of our threadbare renown: </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and justify our empty
fabrication.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He passes by, ignoring our
desires.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">His eyes are fixed on a far
greater prize:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">His countenance incipient
with glory:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the kind that’s only won
through travail,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">pain, passion, death and
betrayal, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He is the spotless host:<sup><span style="background: #00ffff;"></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the Lamb of God.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He alone may pass the veil.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He willingly enters the
Temple.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Showing Himself to the
priest, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">He bows his head </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and accepts the garland
wreath</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of our disaffected thorny
wroth.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The sacrifice is now chosen,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the oblation sanctified:</span></div>
<div class="western" style="text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">the
offertory complete and done.</span></div>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote-western">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>Jer
38:5-6.</div>
</div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-5852762700828622052013-02-12T11:19:00.003-08:002013-02-12T12:19:14.818-08:00Laughter<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">You laugh and my gut churns. </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I cringe before your mockery.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Your ridicule cuts deep, </span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">severing the bonds of breath and life.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Your careless disrespect is
more than I can bear.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I desire your love: the
bloody business of your heart</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but all you care to offer me
is bile.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I need your affirmation and
regard</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but you would rather me
revile.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Satan laughs and darkness
churns, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the world lies in dismay. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">His despite rings through
all the halls of men;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">greed and hate and soft
conceit: </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the comedy of error and of
ill</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">which he does pen and close
direct, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">with force of iron will. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">This vale of tears for us is
his dire cauldron vast,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">where he does compound fell </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and noisome brews, his pain
to sooth at last.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">God laughs at the plight of
men: </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the sorrow and betrayal, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the sickness and the pain, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the hardships and travail.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">God laughs, not with mirth,
but from sympathy:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">not that God can know our
woe </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">in His Eternal Being; </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but that He’s ever present
in our sorrow </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and absurdity.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">In that laugh God exceeds
Himself </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and falls for man from
Heaven to Earth, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">becoming one with us </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and taking up the very comic
role</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">which you and I and all our
kin play out</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and that had first brought
forth His laugh.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">We laugh and hate is spent </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">error and pain are overcome.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The wounds we have inflicted
close</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and healing can begin.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Now grappling can become a
form of play, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">not strife, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and all our wanton ways </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">be shown in purest light.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Laughter frees us from our
sin</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and all that locks us in,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">binding us with false wisdom
</span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and denying our necessary
freedom.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I laugh and the whole
Universe stands still,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the absurdity of life bounds
forth </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and will not rest until its
sympathetic force </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">is spent. Empathy moves my
bowels. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">My heart is pulled towards
the trials </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and sufferings of my fellow
men. Perforce, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I must else laugh or yet
weep copious tears </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;">of
bitter, stinging woe: so I do choose to laugh.</span></div>
<div class="text-body-indent-western" style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-44348064117065365652013-02-12T11:18:00.000-08:002013-02-12T12:19:32.167-08:00Angelic Confusion<h3 class="western">
</h3>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The Angels asked their
Father God, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">why gave He them a will so
bold:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">to choose glad life and
death between:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the fire of Hell and light
of Heaven.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Confused, they pondered it
were best </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">that they had been
constrain</span>è<span style="color: black;">d fast,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and held to good and
wholesome life;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">protected from the pains of
strife</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">as clockwork watch is surely
bound</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">to tell the time when wound.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">For choice implies the bane
of ill,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and ignorant mistake and
fall,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and pain and mis’ry
tightly held</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">(for comfort’s sake, if
truth be told)</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and none of all the host
would dare </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">(not out of fear nor want of
care)</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">assert their certain sight
of right</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">(for all their power and all
their might)</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">beyond a thirst and hunger
barbed</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">that’s not so soon denied.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Better, ’twould seem to
have at heart</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">an instinct: knowledge to
impart;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">to speak and powerfully
direct</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the will to all that’s
just and right,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and ’gainst all choices
curst and wrong.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Then joys would surely ’bout
them throng</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and sin ne’re mar the
spirit bold</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but all would be in concord
held</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">by fearsome chains and
fastest bond</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of tutelage so fond.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">“But there’s the snag,
my fiery folk,”</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">their Heavenly Father gently
spoke.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">“If I held fast your wills
by might</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">(as is my power and is my
right)</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">what space would be for you
to know</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">for your own selves; to see
and show,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">by trial dire, the right and
wrong </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of life: to feel within so
strong</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">its pains and pleasures oh
so dear</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">its clarion call so clear?”</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="color: black;">“All
you would know was slavery</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">arrayed in shrouds, most
drear and grey.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Autonomy would ne’re be
yours:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">automatons you’d be, wills
fixed by laws.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">No proper understanding you
would have </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of woeful hate or wealthy
love,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the cost or prize of selfish
action </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the bliss of righteous
satisfaction:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">never sound merit to accrue</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">nor joy of knowledge true.”</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">“And so, instead, I set
you free</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and take the cost and pain
to me</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Creator and Saviour, both Am
I:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">no callous clocksmith
deity.”</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">“Else trust my word, heed
what I say</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and learn yourself the
righteous way</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">or shun that path and take
your own</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">though it be sad and makes
you moan.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">You can have life or death,
you know:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">choose life, I urge you
now!”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a></span></div>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote-western">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818" name="de30-191"></a><a class="sdendnotesym" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>“I
have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore
choose life, that you and your descendants may live.” [Deut 30:19
RSV]</div>
</div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-63899453343167560802013-02-12T11:10:00.001-08:002013-02-12T11:51:20.391-08:00All Souls Day<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Black vestments </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">pierced with silver thread:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">a sombre testimony </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of better times.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Mourners gather in feeble
hope,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">round Mother Church’s
altar;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">clutching with faithful
hands </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the offered straw. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">A promise of
absolution,</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">cleansing and
healing. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">A promise of
resurrection </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">and life anew. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">A promise of
death’s abolition </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">and life’s
resolution.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">The healing
flames of purgation </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">bring a
strangely purifying pain.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">They offer an
end to years </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">of spasming
self-preservation.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">Those who would
save their life</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">must set their
life aside;</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">must forget
themselves </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">and drain the
bloody tide.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">All are welcome
to drink this cup.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">All are worthy
of this blessing.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">All are one in
this endeavour.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">Pray for your
dead. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">Pray for your
beloved, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">for those you
cordially disliked, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">for those you
coolly ignored, </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">for those you
coldly feared,</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">for those you
copiously hated.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">Pray for all
your dead. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">In this you
will find grace. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">In this you
will find your peace.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">In this you
will find salvation. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="color: black;">In this you
will find release.</span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-34635941374248420482013-02-12T11:09:00.002-08:002013-02-12T11:53:06.860-08:00All Hallows E'en<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The clocks stand still.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Time awaits the presence of
the dead; </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">for whom time is no more.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Up from their graves, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">sad souls arise; </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">restless and forlorn, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">gruesome and grim,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">unshriven and bereft of
hope.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">One night of scarce
half-life </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">in a year lost to their ken.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The clocks stand still.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Children laugh, unaware of
danger.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">For them Samhain is a
frolic.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">They dress as witch and
warlock,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">dance widdishins </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and call on Old Nick,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">reckless of all meaning; </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">for their lives have no
meaning.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">They know nothing </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of the grave’s clammy
embrace;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">of death’s cruel finality.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Their schooling </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">has exorcised their
thinking.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Incessant marketing babble </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">has dulled their loving,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and spinning political
messages</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">have eroded their trusting.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Old folk cower behind
curtains,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">dreading the door knock, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the knell of the bell:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">“Trick or treat – what’s
it to be?”</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">No-one calls otherwise, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">in this land without
friendship:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">where cities are anonymous </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and harbour no neighbours,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">just ghosts; </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">where fear and hate hold
sway:</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">fear of paedophile and
rapist,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">suspicion of Paki and Yid,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">hatred of asylum-seeker </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and queer.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">We the living </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">are more truly </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">the dead,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">or will soon be zombies;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">if we do not bestir
ourselves </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">from our self-satisfied
slumber.</span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-33720373054787174122013-02-12T11:08:00.002-08:002013-02-12T11:54:21.480-08:00All Hallows Day<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Church bells ring, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">calling the faithful to
worship. </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The few respond, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">dragging tardy feet over
hallowed ground.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Candles gutter, signalling
life and hope.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The remnant kneel in prayer,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">lukewarm of faith and
unwilling in love.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">High in the uncertain
firmament</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">trumpets blast out their
joyous triumph</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">flambeaux proclaim their
fearsome testament</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">crown</span>è<span style="color: black;">d
martyrs sing a noble hymn</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">albed confessors raise their
prayerful hands</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">rank on rank of angels
gleefully cavort </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">whirling before the Throne
as fiery wheels.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The Church’s incense rises
doubtfully;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">blown aside by dissent and
worldly affair.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hardly a hint reaches the
court above,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hardly a sound of muttered
prayer,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">Hardly a rumour of
half-hearted love.</span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-74246721566053957672012-08-08T08:26:00.001-07:002013-02-12T12:25:53.063-08:00Snufkin's Departure“<span style="font-size: medium;">Farewell to the old </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and hello to the new”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Snufkin said to himself, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> as he turned his wan face </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">from familiar valley </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and friendship and comfort</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">from all that was safe and secure;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">from the family who’d held him </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> close in their heart</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">from the hearth-fires of home </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and the table well-laid</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">and the one heart which loved, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and even now ached,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">with the loss of his friend.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The pass South now beckoned </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> its call was so strong</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">insistent and ardent</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> unyielding as stone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The desire to explore: </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> to find what was real</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">(not safe and secure) urged him on:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">intent on disclosing </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> the truth in his heart,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">forgetful of bond, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> of duty and need </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">and the one heart which loved, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and even now ached,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">with the loss of his friend.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Each Spring was the same, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> yet this time felt different</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">as if he might find </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> what he yearned for at last </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">and never return:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> to the faces he knew </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">choosing freedom and danger and distance </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">the austere pilgrim’s path </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> so clearly set out</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">away turning from faith </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and affection and home</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">and the one heart which loved, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and even now ached,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">with the loss of his friend.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">As he trudged on, alone, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> the whole world before him</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">fear and elation </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> welled up in his soul: </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The glorious challenge </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> of self-righteous living </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">awakened the rush of expecting,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">fell things and foul </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> to be overcome;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">but none so hard to escape </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> as the memory </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">of the one heart which loved, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and even now ached,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">with the loss of his friend.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Still, he shrugged and pressed on,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> through snow snuggled forests,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">past hard granite rocks </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> from cliffs long-time fallen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">now resting half-buried </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> in leaf mould and earth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">His mind was sure, now resolved:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">he’d make his own way</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and gladly accept </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">what the Fates had in store </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> – be it ever so dire – </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">though his own heart still loved, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> and even now ached,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">with the loss of his friend.</span>Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-21072559123930304142012-08-08T08:24:00.003-07:002013-02-12T12:27:30.483-08:00Shadowlands<span style="font-size: medium;">Before my eyes there leap and leer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">appearences of sences five</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">they fill my mind, seduce my soul </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">and claim to be the truth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Yet in my heart I hear the call</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">of spirit voices, far away,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">that tell of objects far more real</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">and solid sound and permanent</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">than any things of which I think I know</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">or love or cherish or desire.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">And so I turn, from dark cave’s wall</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">where on projected shaddows grey cavort;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">I turn my back on life and seek out death:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">not in despair and not as bane, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">but as the portal to a life beyond</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">of so much being and subtlety</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">that it shall trump this petty world</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">of sense and sensibility</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">of joys and pleasures gay</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">of daliance and sweet delight</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">of pain and loss and suffering.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">For in that place of gladsome light, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">where Beauty’s seen direct, </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">(not in the images of fleeting things,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">but in its ideal form sublime)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">there is such joy and peace</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">that every soul enlightened</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">then can taste the Bread of Life</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">the provinder of Wisdom’s board.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">They sit down full supplied </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">their friend is Immortality</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">thence they are well content. </span>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-90301707844830106102012-08-08T08:23:00.003-07:002013-02-12T12:00:44.223-08:00The final invitation<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">No one invites me to parties
any more.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I am no longer hip or cool.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I have no part in hit
parade.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I’m long in tooth and
short of hair</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">except on chin and arms and
ears.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">No one invites me to parties
any more.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The trend has past me by.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I have no part in cabaret.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">My face don’t fit, my
ideas ain’t right;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">except for grins and cool
disdain.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">No one invites me to parties
any more.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">The ocean’s swell is calm.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">I have no part in any crew, </span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">nor role on any stage or
board;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">except the last: to quit
this coil.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">No one invites me to parties
any more;</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">but one awaits: my call</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">away to part this shadow
life,</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">and face the charge and
fiery fate<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: black;">excepting none: to wake
anew.<br /></span></div>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote-western">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6424848386725897818#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>“Every
man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every
man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath
built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work
shall be burned, he shall suffer loss : but he himself shall be
saved; yet so as by fire.” <br />
[1Cor 3:13-15 KJV]</div>
</div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-13584438525686004892012-08-08T08:22:00.000-07:002013-02-12T12:09:05.118-08:00Henry's demons<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background: transparent;">Part
the first:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
sit in my car, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">secure
before my interview,</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">listening
to the whispering voices </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
my radio.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
hear a father telling falteringly </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
his son:</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">a
boy called Henry. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">My
whole attention’s won.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
am stunned </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">as
the gentle man says how </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Henry
once took hash </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
mislaid his sense.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">From
that time on </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">he
was troubled of mind;</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">pursued
by demons </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">none
else could see.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
was put away. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Institutions
became </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">his
unhomely home: </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">no
place of nurture.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Escape
was his constant </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">cunning
endeavour;</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
success in this business,</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">presaged
failure elsewhere.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Once
out in the world </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">he
had no sense of self;</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">no
idea of what was real, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
what was good or ill.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
was overwhelmed, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">fragile,
incompetent;</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">not
knowing whom to trust, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">or
what to do for best.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Drugs
gave a peace </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">beyond
all understanding;</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
loss of understanding </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">was
too high a price.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
destruction of self,</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">is
no rational sacrifice.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">All
drugs do is pacify, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">not
make one whole.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Eventually,
love won </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
Henry was drawn back</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">into
the light of reason, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
found true peace.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
was re-united </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">with
his worried Father and</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">close
family and friends: </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">a
sort of resurrection.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background: transparent;">Part
the second:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
feel I have a choice: </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">one
won through pain and love;</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">a
choice unwelcome, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">though
offered of benign intent.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
ken a solid semblance </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
what I heard the man relate</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">could
become real for me </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: transparent;">–
<span style="font-size: medium;">but at a woesome price.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">A
dilemma, richly dark, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">is
for me now proposed:</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">either
to accept the present pain, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">as
for the best;</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">or
else allow a higher cost, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
so to have returned</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">what
I have loved and lost </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
still do sadly grieve.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
choice seems clear: </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
I am well forewarned</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">that
no glad good </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">will
come of such desired renewal;</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
only further, deeper pain </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
greater suffering.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">It
is not possible that I should help: </span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
only hurt.</span></span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-7487700956608741972012-08-08T08:21:00.000-07:002013-02-12T12:23:26.078-08:00Symposium<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Socrates
stands silent, without the house.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
sways to and fro; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> though
there is no breeze.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">His
daemon speaks, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> in
words of tantalising uncertainty;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">warning
of danger, urging on with cue.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Within,
the revellers laugh, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> intent
to entertain</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">themselves
with wine and song and jest.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">They
miss his presence, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> await
his profile at the door.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Hopeful
of his words, yet fearful too.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
seer breaks his pose; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> returning
to this world of doubt.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Regaining
his will and purpose, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> he
looks about.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
shrugs and enters into its flimsy reality.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">It
is most unsatisfactory, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> but
will have to do.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">His
eyes peer into shadows </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> which
lie all about him.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">They
reveal their remote origins </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> to
his mind </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">as
they obscure their immediate</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> intentions
from his eyes.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
knows at last his will, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> with
doubt he’s through.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
wishes to advance; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> move
forward in this place;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">join
his friends within; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> enjoy
their fellowship.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
wishes much more. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> To
pass beyond this place</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">to
enter into a richness </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> which
few subdue.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Socrates
bows his head </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> and
enters the festive hall.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">His
presence fills the room, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> the
party song falls silent.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Let
us speak of love, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> dear
friends, he says.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Let
us praise the source </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> of
all life new.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Account
is made of Eros, ancient of days;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">wisest
and most beneficent, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> yet
maddener of men;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">neither
spirit nor matter </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> –
but interlocutor between –</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">carrying
precious gifts </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> reconciliation
to pursue.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Socrates
is silent. Then he frowns </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> and
shakes his head.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">What
truth was spoke </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> was
not spoke true enough;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">weighed
down by quest for earthly ease.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Such
phantasms, he knows, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> he
must eschew.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
recalls an aged seeress, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> Diotima
she was named.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">She
once instructed him in love; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> when
he was young</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
brash and wilful </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> and
fully self-assured.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">She
cut him down a peg: </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> her
words he will review.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Love
is desire for beauty </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> with
good outcome;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">life
leading to life and on to eternity.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Beauty
is next to Good, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> and
supplies the defect </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
sight to restore </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> what
wisdom once knew.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
end of love is fellowship of being;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">union
with the source of life and hope,</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">attainment
of clear sight </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> and
understanding</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">sure
knowledge of beauty </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> and
justice true.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">All
love and beauty </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> in
this world is perilous;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">an
intimation of </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> what
lies beyond the veil,</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">an
incentive to kindness </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> and
spur to courage</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
also a nagging distraction</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> from
these two.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Then
in storms Alcibiades, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> apple
of the sage’s eye;</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">yet
rotten to the core. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> Traitor
both to tutor and to State.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Sure
of himself, overflowing with hubris,</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">ravishing
in countenance and thew.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
berates his erstwhile lover, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> speaking
of deceit,</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">how
he promised much, but gave nothing; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">not
tenderness, nor comfort of embrace,</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
by cultured neglect all passion slew.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">He
accuses the silent Socrates</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> of
inhumanity,</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">of
spiritual conceit and direst pride</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">being
impossible to live with or without:</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">his
friendship he does most sorely rue!</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">A
tear wells in the seer’s face; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> but
he turns away </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">from
what he has loved, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> and
always will love, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">in
this world: knowing that the warning, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">once
heard, he can never misconstrue.</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">This
spoiled man, he knows, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> exemplifies
full well</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">(but
without spark of intent </span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;"> or
glimmer of awareness)</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">the
power of love to pervert and corrupt,</span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">when
divorced from its object due.</span></span></span></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-31305773479103702312012-08-08T08:11:00.000-07:002013-02-12T12:06:19.682-08:00Priest and AltarThe old priest clings<br />
fast<br />
and with fearful fingers<br />
to the altar slab<br />
that<br />
long has stood<br />
in this faithful place<br />
this place of filial hope.<br />
His heart is now<br />
quite cold<br />
dead as the stone
<br />
his hands tight hold:<br />
cold as its silent speech.<br />
His soul is withered<br />
as autumnal leaves<br />
which fall from stricken trees<br />
to dampen, darken
<br />
and decay
<br />
– or else to burn
<br />
on bonfire bright<br />
to briefly lighten up the night<br />
and end their feeble, futile span<br />
no sooner than by them began.<br />
<br />
His eyes flare out with tears:<br />
precious gems of salty woe.<br />
He mourns mortality<br />
and loss of love<br />
and failing hope<br />
and desiccated faith<br />
which flaunts its false solace<br />
though he, like Faustus his forebear,<br />
is far beyond<br />
all scope of grace.<br />
<br />
His mouth frames silent syllables<br />
which if were spoke <br />
might shrive his soul;<br />
but no words, fair or foul,<br />
escape his narrow lips<br />
nor e’en inchoate grunt slips
<br />
out: no sacrament of hope.<br />
<br />
The old priest slumps<br />
devoid<br />
of breath and and word<br />
on the altar slab<br />
that<br />
long has stood<br />
in this fateful place<br />
this place of filial hope.<br />
His heart is now<br />
quite cold<br />
dead as the stone
<br />
his hands un-hold:<br />
cold as its silent speech.<br />
His soul is withered<br />
as autumnal leaves<br />
which fall from stricken trees<br />
to dampen, darken
<br />
and decay
<br />
– or else to burn
<br />
on bonfire bright<br />
to briefly lighten up the night<br />
and end their feeble, futile span<br />
no sooner than by them began.Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424848386725897818.post-32271155048892192642011-11-11T03:53:00.001-08:002013-02-12T12:16:38.653-08:00My Waifs<br />
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">These
days, I seem to be collecting waifs</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">like
others collect stamps </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">or the numbers of trains.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">It’s
a queer hobby, I know, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and not one I’d recommend!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Unless
you have a strong heart </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and much time to lend.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">They
pop up as unknowns </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">at the foot of my screen,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">urgently
requesting </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">my immediate attention.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Sometimes
I am glad of the company;</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">sometimes
I am glad to be in demand,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">for
it gets lonely in my basement study</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">now
that I am home alone, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">with time at hand.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Sometimes
the request </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">is an interruption of thought</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">or
a distraction from </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">one endeavour or another.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Sometimes
a moment </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">of solace is besought,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">sometimes
advice </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">as from an elder brother. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Always
there is a need, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">always a life is fraught.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Always
there is pain, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">always there is despair.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Generally,
they are reticent </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and coy at first;</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
all it really takes </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">is an invitation to share</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">A
“how can I help?” or a “how are you?”</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
a whole sad life-story out does spew.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
of death too much have seen,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
by parent abandoned have been.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
fear rejection for telling their truth.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
condemn themselves </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">for being uncouth.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
with guilt and self-despite </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">are burdened.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
are so angry and </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">with violence consumed.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
feel wound up tight </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and fit to burst.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
feel unloved </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and for love sorely thirst.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
have broken hearts</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">that will not mend.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
see too clearly of this life the end.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
feel empty and so, so sad.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
feel wicked and so, so bad.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
despair of finding peace.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
in self-harm seek poor release.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
seek solace in vodka or rhy.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Some
their death themselves do try.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Each
bares the scars of despite.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Each
one cowers in the night: </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">frightened
of the darkness</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">that
lurks there as a sickness</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">threatening
in its slickness</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">to
overwhelm their soul</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
render them unwhole.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
do what little I can to help and mend.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
listen, affirm and tell them I understand</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">(Because
I do understand, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">for I have been there.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
have ridden the bucking nightmare.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
have felt the gut-wrenching sorrow,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">with
no prospect of a dawning morrow.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
have had my full share of strife.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
have at times lost faith with life.)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
try to give them hope, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">when faith they do not know.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
tell them they are loved; </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">that mercy they must show;</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">and
that they must themselves</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">forgive and loose the guilt</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">that
holds them fast and </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">has a fortress round them built.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
tell them life can be </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">a glorious exaltation</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">something
of sturdy </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and stalwart stone and ice: </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">something
of fluid </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and playful conflagration</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">varied
and multiform, </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">yet stable and precise:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">an
intimation and disclosure</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">of heavenly eternity </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">thrusting
forcefully and surely </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">into earthly futility.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">So
much sorrow, so much pain.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">So
many people lost and forlorn.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">So
many people in need.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">So
many souls to feed.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">So
little that I can do;</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">but
I do what I can, will you?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent;">
<br />
<br /></div>
Pharseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363621957050900009noreply@blogger.com0