Sam Kauffman Poet Ekphrasis

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.  
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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.

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Constance La France August 19, 2025 at 9:48 PM Sam, congratulations on your win in my contest, Gate/Gates Contest. Your poem is wonderfully penned. And I love the quote, Constance

Paula Goldsmith July 19, 2025 at 11:17 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.............

Jack Horne July 16, 2025 at 3:44 AM Oh, LOVE this one, Sam

Linda Alice Fowler July 12, 2025 at 8:56 AM Stunning Sam. Great musings on the Gates of Hell. Love your subtle analogies and last chance at forgiveness/ redemption. Congratulations and blessings! :)

Anne-Lise Andresen July 11, 2025 at 5:06 AM - Congratulations on your great win in the contest, Sam :) - hugs

Anne-Lise Andresen July 8, 2025 at 5:01 AM - Like your contribution to this contest, Sam ... good luck :) - hugs

Andrea Dietrich July 3, 2025 at 9:00 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.

Paula Goldsmith July 3, 2025 at 1:03 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............ Sam Kauffman July 3, 2025 at 2:14 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!

Paige Hind July 2, 2025 at 7:18 PM This is truly a deep message. Reminded me of thoughts I have had- Sam Kauffman July 3, 2025 at 11:47 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!!

Susan Ashley July 2, 2025 at 6:54 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 Sam Kauffman July 3, 2025 at 11:57 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."