Gregory Richard Barden | + Follow Poet |
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Gifts Thru Faith

We spend a lifetime hunting for the keystone
          To happiness, and what defines "success"
               And yet we're born with all that we require
     The precious gifts and talents we possess

Long before the earth and heavens spiraled
          The Lord had given number to our breaths
               And all that we would be and ever realize
     Was ordered in our birth, unto our deaths

Still, we're creatures of unique intention
          Coursing lives within these fragile shells
               Tempering our fate with joys and choices
     And the darkness that our effort quells

But life is the true blessing of existence
          And appropriating all that we've received
               Will give the glory to our Lord and Savior
     So bearing witness, as we have believed

And if someday we stand before our Maker
          Our lives of faithful service giv'n His Son
               He'll bless our ears, as He has blessed our spirits
     "You've honored me ... my good and faithful one"






~ 4th Place ~  in the "The Parable Of The Talents" Poetry Contest, Holly Hippocampus, Judge & Sponsor.

Rhyme Form ABCB

Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden | Year Posted 2018

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Barbara Barry-Nishanian Date: 10/15/2018 4:58:00 PM Congrats! Your writing style never disappoints me, it amazes me, the depth of expressions so elegant. I too repeat what Dean said, but few can write the way you do. I expressed more facts in my poem Talents, not the feelings you expressed Well done! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/30/2018 2:16:00 AM There is a place for both styles, I think, Barbara, and I am so pleased that you enjoyed my write ... I have an "odd" perspective at times, lol. Blessings and thanks to you, Dear Poet! :-) <3

Line Gauthier Date: 10/11/2018 6:43:00 PM Back with more congrats, Gregory. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/13/2018 4:18:00 PM Thanks again, Line! :-)

L. J. Carber Date: 10/11/2018 4:12:00 PM Lyrical and quite beautiful-- 'tempering our fate... darkness that our effort quells'-- impressive lines that I can relate to painfully-- and joyfully well, Greg-- congrats on your win Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/13/2018 4:17:00 PM This is such a wonderful comment, and I thank you so much for the heartfelt words - blessings, LJ! :-)

Dean Wood Date: 10/11/2018 9:18:00 AM Beautifully written Gregory. I can not write like this, I am in awe. Congratulations on your well deserved recognition! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/13/2018 4:17:00 PM You are really too kind, Dean, for you are an excellent writer! But thank you so much for the wonderful comment - it means a lot to me. Blessings, my friend! :-)

Wendy Watson Date: 10/11/2018 3:13:00 AM I loved this first time round and have appreciated it even more on the second reading,Greg. Every verse is a winner in its own right but the final thoughts you leave us with summarize perfectly the essence of the whole. Bravo! All the best Wendy Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/13/2018 4:16:00 PM This is such a wonderful comment, Wendy, so thoughtful and kind - thank you so much, my friend! :-) <3

Janice Canerdy Date: 10/10/2018 8:32:00 PM CONGRATULATIONS on your well-deserved win! Janice Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/13/2018 4:15:00 PM That's very kind of you, Janice, thanks so much! :-) <3

Joanna Daniel Date: 10/8/2018 7:45:00 AM Nice interpretation of the parable, Greg:) all the best:) Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/13/2018 4:14:00 PM Thank you very much, Jo - blessings to you! :-)

Line Gauthier Date: 10/7/2018 8:19:00 PM Superbly penned, Gregory. Congrats on your top win. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/7/2018 9:16:00 PM Thank you so much, Line.

Daniel Turner Date: 10/4/2018 12:34:00 PM For 50 years I was the boldest sinner alive. For the last ten I have been trying to make amends because I squandered most of the talents given to me. Lovely write my friend, Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/7/2018 9:15:00 PM Ah, I apologize, my friend ... my incorrect assumption. Happy belated! :-) Daniel Turner Date: 10/7/2018 12:25:00 AM I was 61 last Aug:) Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/5/2018 11:43:00 PM I hear you, my friend, and I so wish I could say the same, but I am still very much a "work-in-progress", still squandering much ... the key word is "progress", however, and that's always a good thing! Blessings to you, Daniel, and thanks for the kind comments, as always - I am blessed to know you! (I am also 60 - 61 on January 20). :-)

Wendy Watson Date: 10/4/2018 11:29:00 AM This is a wonderful interpretation of the parable, Greg. An overall view of the underlying message of the story which we would do well to take away and digest. I loved both its content and rhythmic flow. All the best Wendy Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/5/2018 11:38:00 PM This is such a wonderful comment, Wendy, and it means a great deal to me, coming from someone of your talent. Thank you so very much, my friend - blessings to you and yours, my friend! :-) <3