Paradise Hope Lost

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Rhyme: Attribution to sixteenth century English poet, John Milton: Paradise Lost poem; Pandemonium, a temple of fallen angels; a poem on his blindness,"...who only stand and wait...". Also to Buddhist Sandskrit mantra "On Mani Padme Hum"(the Jewel of the Lotus) and Nirvana, a Eastern after life state similar to Paradise or Heaven in Western religious tradition.

4/13/19

Piercing through the leafy, bucolic overgrowth I seek beyond vines 'n streams to find my way. A mythic path into the tempting foliage or enlightened trail to nature's knowledge. I confess, my lifetime's voice has been unreliable yet, I'm certain my inner truth is viable. Milton's epic sin verse sustained my child mind later left me hungry for more to ponder, more to find. Darkness visible to the temple Pandemonium nature's light beams reveal "On Mani Padme Hum". Tug a bit on earthly muck and you shake us all. Hell's beguiling murkiness made the eternal fall. Wonderment of awe: what's right in this place, life emergent, goodness here, evil leaves little trace. Science changed the mystic tales of the middle ages. Can't accept the historical theories of the sages. Study deeper the spirit beneath bible stories. Rise up in hope! Therein lies the human glories! The courageous bravely entering Nirvana's gate. Paradise belongs also to those who only stand and wait.

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Alexis Y.

Date: 2/16/2022 1:51:00 PM

Hi Greg, I echo what Sam said. Well done. Congrats on your win. Have a nice day-Alexis

Greg Gaul
Date: 2/16/2022 7:08:00 PM

Alexis, your intuition is strong and worthy. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement. Be well.

Sam Kauffman

Date: 2/16/2022 11:12:00 AM

Greg, it's going to take me many readings to plumb the depths of this poem with its brilliant images, bewitching metaphors! There's a glamour to evil. We don't see the "muck" till we are neck deep in it. I spent a quarter studying Paradise Lost getting lost in its totally amazing depths and journaling one a-ha moment after another. I love your challenge to "rise up in hope" - to grasp onto it and stand up! Congratulations on this jewel of hope. Sending you blessings for paradise found!

Greg Gaul
Date: 2/16/2022 7:04:00 PM

Sam, I see this stirred your philosophical thinking and your faith based spirituality pointing to the essential attribute of hope. Today's world needs hope more than in all of recent history. Now, when all principle has been tested, we need to take hold of our moral rudder. The great writers of the past had a grip on these basics. We now need to help those less sure so they know that heaven is for all those who stand and wait as well. There is good and there is hope.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 2/16/2022 11:00:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. A "Beautiful" story/write. Hope is a wonderful thing. We all need it. Have a blessed day with your win............

Greg Gaul
Date: 2/16/2022 6:40:00 PM

Paula, you are so right. Milton's poem influenced the world in Western religious belief and hope was in the center of it all. Thanks so much for your thoughtful hopes.

Mohan Chutani

Date: 2/16/2022 1:54:00 AM

Congratulations for your placement in my contest. Best. Mohan

Greg Gaul
Date: 2/16/2022 6:25:00 AM

Mohan, thank you so much for hosting and including my somewhat irreverent take on Western religious philosophy. I appreciate the openness of your placement.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 4/22/2019 7:54:00 AM

The quiet seeking of wisdom has taken a back seat in the hustle and bustle of our world. I wrote a piece call Wisom tree that I think you would appreciate.