To Paradise Return

  When it was, 
That none did work for money 
And not one would work for fame, 
  And the work was done for joy, 
With each and everyone, 
  In each their separate ways, 
Possessed by honest eyes 
That would and could and did, 
Draw the thing's, as they themselves 
Knew the things to be. 

Truly, had this happened, 
  Or so it seems to me 
Not so long ago, 
  In our far flung histories. 
It was when all the art and all the war 
Was done, for all the good of folk and tribe, 
Just as it is and was, and will forever be, 
In each 
And every 
Child.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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

Rodgers Avatar
August 5, 2026 at 5:24 AM
Hi Paul, I really enjoyed how artfully it echoes Kipling’s "When Earth’s Last Picture is Painted" while grounding the sentiment in a universal truth. Your transition from that ideal of uncorrupted creation where art is driven purely by joy rather than money or fame into a broader reflection on human history is wonderfully handled. Blessings, Daniel
Bergeron  Avatar
August 7, 2026 at 9:55 AM
Thank you very much Daniel, and glad you got the nod to Kipling... I have a deep fondness for his poems, and my poem is definitely partly inspired by Kiplings phrase: "And no one shall work for money, and no one shall work for fame." The poem was also written as a counter to Miltons Paradise Lost, at a time when I was reflecting on George Lands look into creative intelligence. Some other influences were ideas from First Nations friends, concerns from the 19th century about mechanization in the 20th century, and concerns in the 20th century about computerized algorithms shaping our thinking in the 21st century, as well as the general long history of the fall, and Erich Fromms ideas about an authentic self... and probably some other ideas as well, under a poetic mantram I have long held to heart by Mircea Eliade: "Poetic creation, like linguistic creation, implies the abolition of time, of the history concentrated in language." You have a sharp eye for Kipling and your praise is appreciated Daniel!
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