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The Gates of Hell

Gate or Gates 7-1-25 Based on Rodin’s Gates of Hell. It struck me that Rodin’s gates are closed which made me think of a pastor who said he would want to set up a mission at the gates of hell, that maybe, there might be one last chance of forgiveness. Agree or disagree, theologically correct or not, this poem is just my musings based on this perception by Rodin – the acceptance or rejection of grace - forgiveness. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gates of Hell Mercy stands outside The GHOSTLY gates of hell Spreading amazing wings Benevolence In GOSSAMER compassion GRIEF-STRICKEN At the sight of unquenchable fires For souls born from the pure fire of love GROANING with tender clemency Offering the finality of forgiveness, Amnesty born from an empty GRAVE In a garden, An empty cross on a bloodstained hill, Armors built in plates of arrogance Scream, Dissolve, In the acid of this reality Grace, never GODFORSAKEN, Offers a chalice of ruth For the ruthless, A breath of pardon At the execution of a soul – Pilgrim thinker Sits outside the gates of hell – Building a mission on closed gates.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 7/19/2025 11:17:00 AM
Back with Congratulations on your win. I loved reading your wonderful write/story again. I have been off the computer for a few days. Have a blessed day with your win.............
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Date: 7/16/2025 3:44:00 AM
Oh, LOVE this one, Sam
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Date: 7/12/2025 8:56:00 AM
Stunning Sam. Great musings on the Gates of Hell. Love your subtle analogies and last chance at forgiveness/ redemption. Congratulations and blessings! :)
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Date: 7/11/2025 5:06:00 AM
- Congratulations on your great win in the contest, Sam :) - hugs
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Date: 7/8/2025 5:01:00 AM
- Like your contribution to this contest, Sam ... good luck :) - hugs
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Date: 7/3/2025 9:00:00 PM
Love this. It might not be so far out. I saw enactments on NDE documentaries. Not everyone goes to the light. I saw two stories of an atheist and a druggie . Each ended up in the grasp of pure hell. They could feel their spirit body being grabbed at by demons. They remembered their childhood teachings and when they cried out to Jesus to save them, He brought them to the light. We need only to believe.
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Date: 7/3/2025 1:03:00 PM
WOW!!! What a wonderful write/story you have here. Love your added note. Great Ending... "Good Luck" This is a winner for me. We both did this one. Have a blessed day/weekend writing away............
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 7/3/2025 2:14:00 PM
Thank you so much, Paula, for your note and your support. I agonized over this one and your feedback means so much! Can't wait to read your entry! Blessings!
Date: 7/2/2025 7:18:00 PM
This is truly a deep message. Reminded me of thoughts I have had-
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 7/3/2025 11:47:00 AM
Thank you so much, Paige. There is a Rodin Garden at a university near us. Can't tell you the number of times I have stood in front of this sculpture but only writing for this contest did it occur to me that the gate was closed. It is gratifying to know we have like minds! Blessings and Happy Fourth to you!!
Date: 7/2/2025 6:54:00 AM
My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your potent poem pays poetic homage to this monumental art piece, and to the pastor who spoke of setting up a "mission at the gates of hell". Beautiful, meaningful and full of your creative finesse. I adore the ingenuity of this line "Offers a chalice of ruth/For the ruthless" and the great use of 'G' words. Amazing imagery + metaphors capture your artistic vision with a powerful yet tender voice. Warmest wishes sent on gossamer wings, my sweet poetry sis.. ~Susan
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 7/3/2025 11:57:00 AM
My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your message has lifted my heart today. Thank you! Have stood in front of this sculpture and was deeply affected but only with this contest did I think about the gate being closed and the possibilities for grace and forgiveness that offered - the power of pure love in action and the choice still offered, the tenderness of eternal love. You always see so deeply into a poem with your perceptive poet's heart and delve deeply into every aspect of a poem, sweet poetry sis. What a joy to share this with you! Sending you blessings on "amazing wings."
Date: 7/1/2025 4:44:00 PM
I think they should open a Popsicle stand there. Should sell well
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Tom Woody
Date: 7/2/2025 4:32:00 AM
Seriously though this was powerfully written. While I don't believe in a literal hell the metaphor for eternal separation from God is palpable
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 7/1/2025 11:03:00 PM
Thanks, Tom. I appreciate your feedback. I went back and forth about entering this for the contest. Your note made me feel better. Sending you blessings and my gratitude.

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