Notes About The Poem

The Price One Pays For Glory

Based on the Scripture, 2 Timothy 3:3-13, which gives warning to escape the snare of the birdcatcher.
On stage he struts in sequined costume a plume of feathers cocked high on head A thespian of no account, though in loud rant his troupe boasts of his skill and talent But the look of a clown is on his sad face when he's alone. It's heartache he embraces for he's aware that he's been misleading himself and bleeding hearts the extras cast in his show Bravo! Bravo! He's paid the audience to shout as they stand in ovation whistling for more; an unearned encore He promises, "I'll support you all one day." Foolish would-bes, presume without a doubt that he's a man of his word, but that's absurd for actors such as he never share the limelight once the spotlight has shown on their faces What price for his moment of glory The highest toll one can pay is the loss of his soul Each bow he takes should give cause for worry that one day the birdcatcher will collect his due Barter he'll pay for being haughty and boastful for being puffed up with pride, his words all lies for acts of unkindness, for being out of control the foolish one must relinquish his soul From ones such as he, turn away, turn away and come to an accurate knowledge of the truth His folly should be distinguishable for all to see that those who have an appearance of godliness prove false in the obiesance of God's Holy Word Wicked ones go from bad to worse misleading as though under Satan's spell from them you should quickly flee and save yourself from His condemnation like the rebellious angel who long ago fell
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

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

Schiavina Avatar
July 24, 2017 at 8:36 AM
May God shower you with blessings. Thank you for your courage. Keep writing!
Lane Avatar
July 31, 2017 at 4:35 PM
Thank you very much, Frances.
U.D Palawon  Avatar
July 24, 2017 at 12:44 AM
I don't know much about your religion. But I'm sure the philosophy of all religions in this small world teach us to be good and loving. This you have shown in sharing your work with us. Congrats on potd. :) Sunita
Lane Avatar
July 24, 2017 at 5:12 AM
Loving God above all others, then loving your neighbors as yourself...2 commandments that if followed will keep us from doing harm to anyone. Thanks, Sunita.
Daniel Avatar
July 21, 2017 at 4:17 AM
Fantabulous poem deserving POTD, Lin, congratulations:)
Lane Avatar
July 21, 2017 at 6:14 AM
Many thanks for your encouragement, Jo.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
July 20, 2017 at 5:24 PM
Another passionate POTD stellar write, Lin. Your voice of warning speaks w/authority and conviction. Great poem! Love it, sista. Love and hugs always.
Lane Avatar
July 21, 2017 at 6:13 AM
I always appreciate your remarks, Freddie. Thanks ever so much.
Marcum Wong Avatar
July 20, 2017 at 5:01 PM
Wow Lin! Congratulations on having this outstanding piece honored as POTD my friend! : )
Lane Avatar
July 21, 2017 at 6:13 AM
Thanks so very much for the kind compliments, Connie.
Smith Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 7:47 PM
So glad to see you receive the recognition this piece deserves, congratulations Lin...
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 9:03 PM
Thank you very much for sincere thoughts, Charlie.
Andresen Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 12:18 PM
- Very skilled written, Lin - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 2:12 PM
Thank you very kindly, Anne-Lise.
Warrior Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 9:13 AM
Such elegance and grace in your verse...in the demise of one's mind and soul...we create our own hells...especially when we abandon love and the ones we love...there was a man who talked about the true meaning of love, a long time ago...for we all must seek love...I bow to you and that man...^WW^
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 2:04 PM
I appreciate your comments. Not only do some of us abandon love, we also abandon friendships and things that were said because we cared. If I were you, I'd only bow to the greatest man that ever lived.
Turner Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 7:36 AM
I think listening to anybody is foolish. The Bible says to search the scriptures daily. Seek and ye shall find. It also warns of false prophets as wolves in sheep's clothing. One must find their own way through devotion and prayer. Your poem brings to mind televangelists and politicians. Congratulations Lin on POTD:)
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 8:34 AM
So right, Danny. Bible scripture warns of many things. As you say, devotion and prayer helps us find the right path. Thank you for the recognition.
Lawless Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 6:20 AM
Lin, I find this to also cover the "Pontificating Preachers" who prey upon the congregations willingness to pay for a good show. Nicely written and very, very though provoking. Congrats on the POTD
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 8:31 AM
You're correct, John, in pointing out those who are collecting from well meaning people for their own gains. Thanks for your thoughts and the congrats.
Tsitsikroni Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 5:46 AM
I read it twice, I enjoyed it. Writing is like going to war with words, the battle infinite. I took it apart for how it works for me. Loved it. Hope, Love, and humility, vs Greed, power, deception, and vanity, which almost all mankind suffer from. Well done!
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 5:57 AM
Thank you for reading it twice. That's a compliment in itself, Klio. I'm gratified to see that you understand the message within my words. Actually, it's not my message but from One worthy of all admiration. Your description of the infinite battle was perfectly expressed and appreciated.
Allison Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 3:18 AM
Dropping back to say many congrats on POTD Lin:-) hugs Jan xx
Lane Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 5:54 AM
Thanks so much for being my morning sentinel, Jan. Hugs, sweet friend.
Roper Avatar
July 18, 2017 at 10:04 AM
:"( if this poem is about the president elect I can understand the feeling.... as we all are in a turmoil over his actions... but like Chris quoted ;( sounds like a politician or it could be someone at work or hell, even a poet on this site. :' (
Roper Avatar
July 18, 2017 at 2:06 PM
A message of hope for a change of attitudes, worldwide would be an awesome resolution if all as a union would succeed in the accomplishment.
Lane Avatar
July 18, 2017 at 10:36 AM
This write will mean many different things to many different people. Some may see themselves and realize it, and others will never see the truth. I never write about politicians because they incriminate themselves with their words. This is based on scripture and applies to all men and women. It's a message of hope for a change of attitudes, worldwide. I know where you were going, but don't go there.
Allison Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 4:34 PM
This reminds me of a politician with empty promises given and folks hanging on to their every word but in the end it is all deception just for personal gain. I found the poem dark but also like the humour in the second stanza:-) hugs jan xx
Lane Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 4:50 PM
It's so like you, Jan, to find humor in everything. Bravo to you for being able to do that. Thanks!
Green Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 1:52 PM
Extremely dark and frightening, definitely a trap many fall into. Like Tim said, sounds like a politician or it could be someone at work or hell, even a poet on this site. How is one supposed to know, especially if they are so convincing? I know I've followed the wrong people before, not often though, burn me once. But some can lie very well. How is one to know who is good and who is not...I guess experience is the best teacher? Nicely expressed Lin. I could feel the emotion in this one.
Green Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 2:34 PM
Well, that makes sense. And yep, trusting the heart can be very painful at times. I know that. :)
Lane Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 2:15 PM
It's not meant to be frightening, Chris. It's prophecy and as far as how we are to know who to trust...we've been given free will to choose what and/or who to believe. You can't trust your heart for it's been proven to be treacherous. But when our eyes are open and yet we refuse to see...the blame falls on our own shoulders.
Smith Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 1:40 PM
Always seems to be that the ones who seek the most attention are really the ones that should command less. Well done Lin...
Lane Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 2:11 PM
You certainly understand the crux of the matter, Charlie. They may think they've won whatever it is they're after, but truth will always come out. Thanks so much for reading and leaving your thoughts.
Cozart Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 1:36 PM
Lin, this is very powerful!
Lane Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 2:09 PM
Thanks very much, Dale.
Smith Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 1:20 PM
Reminds me of a politician. For one who sells his soul to the devil is a fool. We must not fall into the trappings of following the fool into hell.
Lane Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 2:08 PM
Can't believe most politicians who are after greedy gain. So it is with many people who turn their backs on what is morally right to gain their goals.
Kiser Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 1:14 PM
A chilling thought, the sale of one's soul...sadly, it does happen and to way too many people. Well-penned and very thought provoking.
Lane Avatar
July 17, 2017 at 2:05 PM
and too often people lose sight of what is most important in life. Thank you for commenting, M.L.
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