John Watt Poet Sonnet

These Three Remain

This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence ~ Psalm 73:12-13


A wise man long ago bemoaned the thought
that those who seek the paths of righteousness 
so often struggle mightily. Their lot
seems only to be wreathed in hopelessness.

Meanwhile, the wicked reap rich dividends
while disregarding others' poverty -
they'll use whatever means may suit their ends,
neglecting justice, love, humility.

Believers know "these three remain" to guide
up peaks appearing insurmountable:
Faith is that trust in Him who walks beside;
Hope is that blessed wealth uncountable;

and Love, which guides us to eternity -
For "God is love", the greatest of the three.

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Laura Leiser September 21, 2024 at 3:12 PM I enjoyed discussing this thoughtful, spiritual poem today in our writing group, John! I love the progression in your poem from temporal “rewards” that the wicked reap to eternal rewards that believers receive…faith, hope and love. Favorite lines, “Believers know “three things remain” to guide, up peaks appearing insurmountable.” Stellar! A fave! :)

Mrs. Yolanda Nicholsen January 27, 2024 at 10:46 AM Lovely write John very eloquently written many blessings.

Andrea Dietrich January 7, 2024 at 9:55 AM Wow those certainly are the big three, John. I guess I commented before. Let's see if you have other new ones for me to see

Bill Baker January 4, 2024 at 6:53 PM A FAV for my list. Love is enough for me, but it takes faith and hope to make it through the gauntlet we call life. Thanks for sharing the word and your poetry with us, John. Happy New Year, my friend. Have a great 2024! Bill

Andrea Dietrich December 31, 2023 at 12:36 PM Wow this is so great and inspiring. .loved your meticulous way with meter and enjambment. This would sure look good on a Xmas card. Fave!

Sam Kauffman December 26, 2023 at 11:19 AM What a beautiful Christmas reflection, dear friend! Indeed these three remain and we see in the manger Christmas born of love! Somehow now that gifts are unwrapped, the Christmas meal has been eaten and chaotic schedules settled back into a normal pace we don't see that Christmas day is only the beginning. I often wonder if, having seen Jesus in the manger once, whether we would return to the stable repeatedly or say "Well, I've seen him once!" I believe we deprive ourselves the joy of the Christmas season in a one day celebration. Here's to Advent to Epiphany celebrations. Merry Christmas dear R&R Bro! Belated Birthday blessings!

Kim Rodrigues December 26, 2023 at 8:57 AM The poor in spirit always grieving what others need. The rich don’t give things a second thought. So helpful.