Lawrence Sharp Poet Free verse

Five Planes

I. Perdition.

The truth of the evil exposed
Shame not readily received
Truth, now attrition to break the spirit
More painful than the rod
That breaks the skin.

II. Penance.

Torturous the truth 
Speak of your own transgression
Repentance, in time, engage
The lesser pain at our command
Wicked man now confess.

III. Purgatory.

By your own hand
Hammer at the stone of our souls
Broken the jagged edges
Chisel and stone to the stone
Shape what I might yet be.

IV. Preparation.

No slave for the master
No whip for the back of the slave
Wit made sharp on The Empirical Stone
Peace, rest, wisdom to grow
By our own toil we may heal.

V. Paradise.

How could it ever be ?

1st April 2019

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David Smith April 28, 2019 at 2:21 AM It is great witnessing yourself and others on soup growing in confidence and prepared to go deeper into your subjects. Particularly like how you have linked it all together for readers to easily follow, with paragraphs not too meaty. Kind regards David Lawrence Sharp April 28, 2019 at 4:21 AM Thanks very much for visit and comment, David; the theme has some significance for me, so I'm very pleased if you enjoyed this.

Richard Lamoureux April 4, 2019 at 8:15 AM Interesting perspective. This seems to point to the fact that there is an earning of sorts that leads to paradise/or not. The part of Christianity that appeals to me is the fact I cannot earn my salvation but rather it is a gift to be accepted. My response then is born out of my gratitude. By being connected to God in relationship it spills over into my actions. Lawrence Sharp April 4, 2019 at 11:30 AM Thanks for visit and comment, Richard. Despite a Christian upbringing, there is really nothing that I entirely believe or disbelieve. More than anything, this is just one of many weird personal concoctions, even though it seems, on the face of it, to be essentially Christian. Your perspectives resonate with me, though.

Robert Lindley April 2, 2019 at 10:19 AM Love it and its deeper questionings my friend. Truth is we do not know yet may have faith in that we know. As what purpose serves us better than wishing other well and fruitful lives? For by their blessings all others will receive profit. Human understanding of both paradise and eternity is but a dark , weak and very vague idea of it, IMHO. Great poetry my friend.. A fav.. Lawrence Sharp April 3, 2019 at 11:16 AM Thank you for ongoing support, my friend, always valued. You're right, our grasp of that which is above and beyond us (if such exists at all) is weak and vague at best.

Brandy Nicole April 1, 2019 at 4:45 PM "Paradise. How could it ever be ?" First, one would have to understand the meaning of the word. The true definition. Physically and Spiritually speaking!! There is Peace. It exists!! As always, your thoughts are deep and powerful. ~ Brandy Lawrence Sharp April 2, 2019 at 12:08 AM As always, open to interpretation. Very pleasing if it resonates with you in any way, Branderz, thanks for visit and ongoing support.

Vijay Pandit April 1, 2019 at 11:45 AM I assume you are sending a message to mankind. Too deep in thought my friend.. going through the first four stages would lead to paradise? I suppose no one knows for sure. In the realm of faith and believers this is. Lawrence Sharp April 1, 2019 at 1:35 PM Thanks for reading, Vijay. You're right, no one knows. I, for my part, am neither believer nor unbeliever.