Notes About The Poem

" THE GREAT SURPRISE - A TRUE STORY " Acropolis with Parthenon, Athens, Greece!

Parthenon, Acropolis of Athens, Greece at summer sunrise Stock Photo - 101921579

The Great Surprise a True Story

Once, I took some colleagues from a British university to the Acropolis for a tour of the Parthenon.
As I was explaining to my guests the history of the structure, I turned towards the ancient Agora (Market) below, and in a teasing mood, I told them: 

" There is the Agora where Socrates was walking every day discussing matters of philosophy,  so when you gentlemen pass onto the other side, you will have the chance to ask him questions that concern you!" 

At that moment, the head of the Computer Department of that university, who had declared himself an atheist,  turned towards me and asked:

" Do you, Demetrios,  believe in the theory of the afterlife?"

" Most certainly I do!" With emphasis, I replied.

" Then, my friend, " My interlocutor continued, " you will be surprised."

" Why would I be surprised?" I asked.

" ...because there would be nothing of what you believe to be there." He explained.

" If things are as you say, my friend, it will not be me who will be surprised but you," I retorted with a smile.

" How come? " He asked with interest. 

" Because, my friend, if your theory is correct and we do not go on living after death, I will not exist, therefore it will be impossible for me to be surprised, but if my theory is correct and our souls continue their existence after death you will be surprised, dear colleague,   for though you expect nothing to be there after you depart from this life you will find out there is something after all," I explained. 

My colleague listened with interest to my argument, and after I finished, he posed for a while and then turned towards me and declared: 

" If you put it like this, Demetrios, I must admit, you are right." Then he burst out laughing, and the same did the rest of the professors there, and the echo of their laughter reached the Agora bellow and even the ears of Socrates in the heavens. *









© Demetrios Trifiatis
        23 June 2018

*This Narration is a true story and comes after my little poem: "THE GREAT SURPRISE. " posted earlier today!

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Wanter Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 5:55 PM
See why I call you "the wise one?"
Trifiatis Avatar
June 25, 2018 at 7:19 AM
If only it were true my friend, Sunlite! Thank you though for your kind words!
Cunningham Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 1:28 PM
Great story Demetrios, You certainly gave him something to think about, and when the time comes he'll be very surprised as will lot of others . Tom.
Trifiatis Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 3:11 PM
More and more people are having the surprise of their lives my friend, Tom for they believe less and less! A great mistake! Thank you very much for you precious visits!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 10:35 AM
Lovely story Demetrios xomo <3
Trifiatis Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 3:09 PM
Happy you liked it my friend, Maureen xoxo
Ball Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 7:23 AM
What a wonderful story and a memory to cherish. I totally agree with you. As I always like to say. Even if Heaven was never promised to me or even if I was not promised to live forever, it's been good just to have The Lord in my life. Thank for sharing. God Bless, JB PS I'm finally back and my eye surgeries are done. So far no more headaches. Thanks so much for your loyal support.
Trifiatis Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 3:09 PM
Welcome back my friend, Judy! Back healthy thus wealthy because of God's grace! Thank you for taking the time to visit and comment in such a fine way!
Williams Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 6:13 AM
A very clever and enlightened reply my dearest friend to a trap question and humorously delivered with a smile. I enjoyed the story - a definite FAVE. Maria xxx
Trifiatis Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 3:07 PM
Thank you so much for your appreciation dearest friend, Maria! God bless you and your family! xxx!
Pandit Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 6:10 AM
Enjoyed reading your enlightening story Demetrios..what matters is what one knows!
Trifiatis Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 3:06 PM
True, for we may have opinions but it is the knowledge that counts and God has it all! We may have faith though and it is enough to help us have a glimpse into the divine matters! Thank you my friend, Vijay!
Riabi Dziri Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 5:27 AM
Only a philosopher does have such a response! You kept explaining in a smiling but firm state of heart and mind! Only a knowledgeable soul whose self esteem is high and of value can stand humbly people's complexities and issues! I tremendously enjoyed what you of real life write. Enlightening as always. Stay safe and blessed dear Demetrios.
Trifiatis Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 3:04 PM
Thank you so much for your kind words my dearest friend, Besma! You humble me with your generosity. God bless you!
Rose  Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 5:00 AM
You tell a good story Demetrios. They say you can take a horse to the water but you can't make it drink, "something must have turned his heart or soul?" maybe it was the blinding light? maybe...
Trifiatis Avatar
June 23, 2018 at 3:01 PM
...or take someone to university but you cannot make him to think! haha! Thank you so very much for your kind visit and lovely comment my dear, Pixie! God bless you!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace