John Watt Poet Sonnet

Notes About The Poem

Journey Home

Painting  ~  Return of the Prodigal  ~  Il Guercino

Returning from the land of my rebellion,
in rags that reek of pigs and sweat and mud.
Now penniless, I’ve been a hell-bent hellion,
wasting the fortune of my flesh and blood.
But now considering my distant father;
how could I dare to think he’ll have me back?
I’ll plead to serve as slave and be no bother;
even his hired workers have no lack.
I journey home rehearsing all I’ve done:
“Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you –
No longer worthy to be called your son.”
My voice goes numb when home comes into view.
     My fears fly when I see my father’s face
     and weep in his forgiving, kind embrace.

written 8 Sep 2020

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John Lawless October 1, 2020 at 7:51 PM Hey John, I've been on both sides of this equation....Nicely written John Watt October 1, 2020 at 9:36 PM Me too, John. I empathize with each. Grateful for your kind input.

Eric Cohen October 1, 2020 at 9:52 AM Just beautiful, John. Moving and well penned. Congrats. John Watt October 1, 2020 at 10:06 AM Thank you very much Eric. Your words are greatly appreciated ~ John

John Hamilton October 1, 2020 at 7:22 AM A beautiful write, congrats John on a well deserved top win! John Watt October 1, 2020 at 10:05 AM John, thank you for giving this a "second life". I appreciate both the contest and the high placement, not to mention your kind words. Blessings ~ John

Victor Buhagiar September 13, 2020 at 8:22 PM God's compassion so able portrayed in this poem. Sublime painting that does credit to a sublime poem. ~~ John Watt September 13, 2020 at 10:03 PM Thank you so very much, Victor. Your words mean a great deal to me.

Andrea Dietrich September 13, 2020 at 2:04 PM glad you liked my idea down here. Did you see the recent videos I showed you? I feel like I am in a surreal world, John. Seeing all the stuff coming to pass just as it was planned. Stores not taking cash from me any more, etc. I am enjoying my short season inside movie theaters before that goes away for me once the other crackdowns begin. Such scary times we are in. Wish I could be so spiritually strong as you are. John Watt September 13, 2020 at 10:05 PM I've already started making a list of stories that might make for good sonnets. Thanks again. Still getting caught up here, then I'll check out the videos.

Gordon Mcconnell September 13, 2020 at 1:44 PM Rather good description of the prodigal son, very well penned indeed John, I tend to always think of it being of the older son. Take care Gordon John Watt September 13, 2020 at 10:04 PM You make a valid point, Gordon. The older son does tend to get overshadowed, but is a crucial player in the parable. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment.

Michelle Faulkner September 11, 2020 at 2:30 PM What a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness, told so eloquently, heartwarming~ John Watt September 12, 2020 at 2:55 PM Michelle, your words are always endearing and mean a lot to me. Thank you.

Eve Roper September 10, 2020 at 7:57 PM John, you've written such a beautiful sonnet. John Watt September 12, 2020 at 2:56 PM Eve, I so appreciate your frequent support and words of encouragement. Hugs ~ John

Andrea Dietrich September 10, 2020 at 3:49 PM this is beautifully written , John, in sonnet form. It is a great idea for you to do more like these where you take parables and put them to sonnet form.I have done only a few that way, using Bible stories. I can imagine you making a book of them! John Watt September 12, 2020 at 2:54 PM What a marvelous idea! Thank you for planting the seed of that idea. Appreciate your ongoing support, my friend.

Jennifer Proxenos September 10, 2020 at 11:40 AM This write is so heart warming John -it is a parable of great significance - a father will always forgive a child anything - a parent is supportive, loyal, gentle, kind, loving and understanding. Beautiful absolutely beautiful John mou. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer. John Watt September 12, 2020 at 2:53 PM Interestingly this parable has become known as the Prodigal Son when in fact it is more about the Forgiving Father. Thank you for your lovely, encouraging words, Jenn.

Panagiota Romios September 9, 2020 at 8:02 PM A knockout verse, John, Best wishes for first place. This is beautiful Panagiota xx John Watt September 12, 2020 at 2:51 PM Thank you for the kind words, Pangie. You are a blessing to me.

Gershon Wolf September 9, 2020 at 6:54 PM Ah, the tale of the wayward son -- so well done!! Kudos, John! Blessings and Bounty, Gershon John Watt September 12, 2020 at 2:26 PM Blessings to you as well, my friend

Wendy Watson September 9, 2020 at 1:57 PM Beautifully composed,John. This must be one of the most poignant parables and has always touched my heart so thank you for bringing it to my attention again with your usual poetic flair. Thank you also for your constant encouragement regarding past poems especially during my absence from the site recently. John Watt September 12, 2020 at 2:26 PM Thank you very much for the kind comments, Wendy. It's so nice to see you again. You are welcome for encouraging words I send, yours are equally appreciated.

Richard Lamoureux September 9, 2020 at 10:23 AM A moving piece. Thanks for your Birthday greeting. John Watt September 9, 2020 at 7:03 PM Thank you, and you're welcome, Richard. Hope you had a good one.

Quoth Theraven September 9, 2020 at 8:25 AM John, The bond of blood never shines brighter than in forgiveness. Your Journey Home, a fine example of a Father's love. -Richard John Watt September 9, 2020 at 7:02 PM Yes, forgiveness deeply affects both parties. Thanks for the read and thoughtful comment, Richard

Kim Rodrigues September 8, 2020 at 7:35 PM He is a good father! John Watt September 8, 2020 at 8:00 PM Amen!