The Gift To God, I Gave To Give -

To myself to I, to God I asked
what nature of sample shall I give,

the tribute must be something, already possessed
and not a thing to be acquired or easily accessed,
what type of treasure, what placid pleasure,
what measure of scintillating success should be expressed,

many feelings, dealings, winnings and blessings I have
like the menificent merchant of an ageless & melancholy market,
however I am disinterested in the buying & selling of impressive items,
something of my core should be present, priceless, respirative,

multitudes give Deity thick thanks in pompous prayers
or grim graveling of worship,
others offer animal immolation or coin from shallow pocket,

as does everyone I experience the panic of pain,
that terrible teacher of no remorse whose curriculum 
makes carion of cowards,
but as a student of Life and thus a pupil of pain
I realised that my mind can be a calm cistern,
my heart a coffer of adversity's copious rewards,

the determination is made,
my proudest possession, enlightenment derived from pain,
enchanting and admonishing like the howls of hungry beasts,
a gift of character, a jewel of dreams manifest,
God accepted and said,
" Someone, somewhere, somehow is suffering to better feats" -

J.A.B.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
June 6, 2015 at 8:09 PM
The determination is made..' did suffering commence then Justin.? No rather the realisation of it all I feel, and is that not the hardest part of life.? harder than pain, finding understanding.. ( well done ) 7 plus..'
Hicks Avatar
October 23, 2014 at 1:22 PM
Your vocabulary and poetic flair is immense! I am in awe of the amount thoughts going on in this poem. There's a lot of humility through out, but what really struck me was God's response in the end. Almost like a more dramatized version of "There are those less fortunate than I"... Powerful work! Adding to faves...
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
March 20, 2014 at 4:13 PM
"a student of Life and thus a pupil of pain..." challenging write.. and inspiring.. :) the writings i've read are nice to deliver... :) wow!!! i like the humbleness in here.. :) === olive_eloi with a deep breath.. :)
Bordner Avatar
March 23, 2014 at 1:20 AM
You have identified the most important emotion in this composition Olive, the most important principle in this write though is God's response. Thanks for thinking deeply on my thoughts Olive. J.A.B.
A   Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 10:51 AM
How, I thrive to read your poems.. Maybe you can post a new one today. I can't say I'll have free time to come back to the soup during the week... Enjoying this strong piece once again..Linda
Bordner Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 12:51 PM
Thank you so much Linda, this write does contain a bold part of my soul, something indispensible and cherrished. I need to stay close to God, to give as much as I dare receive, this you understand too. The best part in this is Deity's reply, which is, hey I love the gift, but don't dare rest on your laurels or collapse into self pity for too long. Thanks PD. J.A.B.
Anglesey Avatar
May 23, 2013 at 7:08 PM
As a student of life I get the very deep meanings. I know that painful experiences can set us on the path of attaining our better self as we discover our most important purpose. Love the messages here :)
Bordner Avatar
May 28, 2013 at 2:06 PM
You have perfect understanding Karen - seems like you are ready to be a genuine teacher my friend - J.A.B. %
Breidenthal Avatar
May 22, 2013 at 3:55 PM
Excellent message Justin. It's always very rewarding reading your work. "Enlightement derived from pain" --yeah, I believe pain and tribulation build character and stregthen us. There's much to discover how far we can go and God knows what we can handle. I like how this poem seems to revolve around God. To allow your mind to be a "calm cistern" through it all can be a difficult task. I admire your words. Nice avatar! Take care, Justin and have a great summer. (: Always, Laura
Bordner Avatar
May 28, 2013 at 2:05 PM
Summer will teach me much Laura - thanks for being cool - it is important to me that readers do not misconstrue my meaning regarding the value of prayer, or the necessity of the blessings of Providence - J.A.B. %
A   Avatar
May 19, 2013 at 2:37 PM
Hello Justin, wow... I understand the end perfectly. You have always amazed me with your poems and insight powerful thoughts. In my perception, we have no gift greater then ourselves. Every good and perfect gift we offer, will find a reward somehow. I'm glad God is not a material God who likes changing like shifting shadows. The nature of the example of gifts you seek to offer are excellent tips and tricks for designing a better feats and traits. In which will find the right gift through your heart, you have great determination my poet friend. I love God's answer at the end of your poem. I've always thought of him as selfish... yikes did I say that out loud... super enjoyed... xox~ LINDA
Bordner Avatar
May 20, 2013 at 2:07 PM
This is the essence Linda - I love your awareness and talent - your analysis is a beautiful attachment to this write my Sphinx, I thank you with a smile - we are some our God's favorites PD., don't worry! - J.A.B. %
Andresen Avatar
May 19, 2013 at 2:22 PM
- A deep and very well written poem Justin. - oxox / / Anne-Lise :)
Bordner Avatar
May 20, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Thanks for being sweet Anne - I am proud that you like this write my friend - J.A.B. %
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