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Il Guercino: The Return of the Prodigal Son (1655)

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

Date: 10/1/2020 7:51:00 PM

Hey John, I've been on both sides of this equation....Nicely written

John Watt
Date: 10/1/2020 9:36:00 PM

Me too, John. I empathize with each. Grateful for your kind input.

Eric Cohen

Date: 10/1/2020 9:52:00 AM

Just beautiful, John. Moving and well penned. Congrats.

John Watt
Date: 10/1/2020 10:06:00 AM

Thank you very much Eric. Your words are greatly appreciated ~ John

John Hamilton

Date: 10/1/2020 7:22:00 AM

A beautiful write, congrats John on a well deserved top win!

John Watt
Date: 10/1/2020 10:05:00 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

Date: 9/13/2020 8:22:00 PM

God's compassion so able portrayed in this poem. Sublime painting that does credit to a sublime poem. ~~

John Watt
Date: 9/13/2020 10:03:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Victor. Your words mean a great deal to me.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/13/2020 2:04:00 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
Date: 9/13/2020 10:05:00 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

Date: 9/13/2020 1:44:00 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
Date: 9/13/2020 10:04:00 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

Date: 9/11/2020 2:30:00 PM

What a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness, told so eloquently, heartwarming~

John Watt
Date: 9/12/2020 2:55:00 PM

Michelle, your words are always endearing and mean a lot to me. Thank you.

Eve Roper

Date: 9/10/2020 7:57:00 PM

John, you've written such a beautiful sonnet.

John Watt
Date: 9/12/2020 2:56:00 PM

Eve, I so appreciate your frequent support and words of encouragement. Hugs ~ John

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/10/2020 3:49:00 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
Date: 9/12/2020 2:54:00 PM

What a marvelous idea! Thank you for planting the seed of that idea. Appreciate your ongoing support, my friend.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 9/10/2020 11:40:00 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
Date: 9/12/2020 2:53:00 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

Date: 9/9/2020 8:02:00 PM

A knockout verse, John, Best wishes for first place. This is beautiful Panagiota xx

John Watt
Date: 9/12/2020 2:51:00 PM

Thank you for the kind words, Pangie. You are a blessing to me.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 9/9/2020 6:54:00 PM

Ah, the tale of the wayward son -- so well done!! Kudos, John! Blessings and Bounty, Gershon

John Watt
Date: 9/12/2020 2:26:00 PM

Blessings to you as well, my friend

Wendy Watson

Date: 9/9/2020 1:57:00 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
Date: 9/12/2020 2:26:00 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.