A Slice of Paradise

Nestled in verdant woods on a hilly terrain,
The sequestered chapel stood, tranquil was the place
With a calm drowning the hubbub around
With blooming plants adorning the encircling space

Gently moved to that well protected chapel
Tip toeing through the arch entrance
Entered and knelt down before the holy altar
The serenity there overpowering all my sufferance

Inside was nothing of grandeur to arrest the eyes,
Save a simple crucifix hung on the wall,
And a statue of Mary and Joseph at the side
With empty wooden benches lying in the hall

As I stood in humility with folded hands,
Nothing did I see, but a gentle whisper heard,
Suffusing me with feelings, delicate and beatific
And within me a strange sensation stirred

A riot of colors and gorgeous spires emerged,
And legions of angels gently falling in line
I saw winged seraphs with bugles in hands,
Singing hymns on end in lovely notes divine

How long did I bury my (self) in that blissful state?
Or was it a moment when time refused to budge?
Before me, I saw a slice of paradise unveiled,
A scene even a heretic would begrudge.

In the stillness, the song of birds from surrounding woods,
Sifted down through the murmur of wafting wind
Pleasant was the sensation that replenished the soul
Deep it was fanning all anxieties  away from the mind

Sucked to the fill, the peace that exuded.
Lay afloat in the joy that welled.
It was a feel far too deep for words.
More appeasing than all the riches of this world,

Like a child cuddled in sweet embrace,
I felt sheltered from all storms and gale.
Trapping that celestial feel, and wrapped in grace,
Came out from that quiet place, calm and hale

Into a busy boisterous world, with a wise spiritual insight
To be a never dying wellspring with resurgent waters of love
For many to drink to their fill and appease their thirst
And become a symbol of peace like an olive bearing dove

Placed First
12- December, 2021
Beatitude Rhyming Poem- Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Beata Augustin

Resubmitted for A Spiritual Wisdom Downloaded 
Poetry Contest.
Sponsor - Unseeking Seeker

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021



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Date: 1/19/2023 10:09:00 AM
Dearest Valsa, whenever I read your poetic wonders I know I am in for an experience into the sublime. I have had an experience such as this that I carry with me like a lantern continually lit by the hand of grace. Congratulations on your win. Thank you for sharing your journey with God through your beautiful images and the ways you continue that journey in your life! Sending you blessings dear friend!
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Date: 1/16/2023 7:04:00 PM
Back with my most sincere congratulations, Valsa. I'm overjoyed that you came out on top since you have a lot of merit for receiving such recognition.
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Date: 12/28/2021 10:27:00 PM
Congrats. Thanks for sharing this "be-attitude of the heart." God bless you. A blessed New Year to your and your family.
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George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 12/28/2021 10:53:00 PM
Thanks a lot Beata for this wonderful contest and choosing me a winner ! It has been my personal experience.... ! The serenity in the chapel transported me to an ethereal experience.....
Date: 12/20/2021 6:55:00 AM
Valsa, you have invoked a great deal of happiness and tranquillity. You are grateful to see such a treasure of serenity and harmony. The introductory line sets the tone for a perfect getaway, and it is this tone that rings across your poem.
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Valsa George
Date: 12/28/2021 10:54:00 PM
Thanks a lot dear friend Lasaad ! I feel I am growing everyday with your love and words of encouragement ! I have no words to thank you !
Date: 12/17/2021 10:36:00 AM
And there I was, going to order a slice of cheese pizza with olives on it -- when you surprised me with a nice poem. Cheers, Gershon
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Gershon Wolf
Date: 12/18/2021 3:59:00 PM
Seriously, though, this is a marvelous poem, Valsa. I really like that in the end the 'protagonist' does not stay ensconced in the Chapel's loving arms, but rather brings her newfound consciousness out into the wider world to share its glow. Glowing embers, Gershon
George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 12/17/2021 10:01:00 PM
So enjoy it....! Why just a slice.... :) Make it whole...:) I too love cheese pizza... but don't particularly prefer olives ! Thanks !
Date: 12/17/2021 10:32:00 AM
You certainly have a way with words! Aloha!
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George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 12/17/2021 9:58:00 PM
Thank you so much Rico.... !
Date: 12/17/2021 9:45:00 AM
This poem is simply marvellous. It has all the ingredients of how a poem should be written, imagery, sight, great vocabulary and use of the human sense. And the message is fabulous. Great write.
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Valsa George
Date: 12/17/2021 9:56:00 PM
My vocabulary is not all that great compared to what many of you have. However, I am glad I could build so much with my schooling in regional language. Thank you so much Victor for your lovely comment.
Date: 12/17/2021 5:31:00 AM
Your opening stanza describes a divine setting for heavenly experience-- that tolls throughout your poem. Much bliss and serenity you invoke, Valsa. Blessed you are to have such a gift of calm and peace.
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George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 12/17/2021 9:52:00 PM
I visited an old chapel once in a quiet setting and I had a divine experience, the memory of which still soothes my mind ! Thanks a lot Vijay !
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