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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

Date: 4/28/2019 2:21:00 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
Date: 4/28/2019 4:21:00 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

Date: 4/4/2019 8:15:00 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
Date: 4/4/2019 11:30:00 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

Date: 4/2/2019 10:19:00 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
Date: 4/3/2019 11:16:00 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

Date: 4/1/2019 4:45:00 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
Date: 4/2/2019 12:08:00 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

Date: 4/1/2019 11:45:00 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
Date: 4/1/2019 1:35:00 PM

Thanks for reading, Vijay. You're right, no one knows. I, for my part, am neither believer nor unbeliever.