Home » Poems » Robert Lindley » What Are We To Do In This Earthly Life

What Are We To Do In This Earthly Life

What Are We To Do In This Earthly Life Dare we see justice is oft overdue Wherein earth's cold brings its sadder chill dews Up higher where mountain gives its hard frost Wander lost souls about completely lost. Mankind, savage beast crying all alone Wondering just where the hell love has gone Has it gone wayward, far out lost at sea Or does the hidden spirit up and flee. Why does man's Fate dare to such darkness hold As a punishment to mankind be sold Is true we should Heaven then ourselves turn Or face unholy hell to always burn. What are we to do in this earthly life? To avoid its deep darkness and great strife? Robert J. Lindley, Sonnet Dec. 6th, 1971, age 17

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

Ink Empress

Date: 8/18/2023 12:03:00 PM

So many resonating thoughts woven in such a seamless and captivating cadence. I love the flow and the rhythm of this. So melodious and beautiful. Profound truth it is so many wander alone, often feeling lost, so many injustices, and i wonder “ what are we to do in this life” so intriguing and philosophical, I loved this

Robert Lindley
Date: 8/19/2023 5:41:00 AM

Thank you, my friend. I think tens of millions wonder and wander alone. Life and its multitude of vagaries sets the mind to pondering deeper thoughts on its injustices and calamities too. Truth is darkness rules this world. We should stay in the light. God bless.

Valsa George

Date: 8/17/2023 6:09:00 AM

"Mankind, savage beast crying all alone/ Wondering just where the hell love has gone/ Has it gone wayward, far out lost at sea"/ How true! With love gone from the face of the earth, man has become a savage beast. Your cry is a cry rising from every sensitive and virtuous heart. A beautiful poem dear great sonneteer !

Robert Lindley
Date: 8/17/2023 6:57:00 AM

Thank you, my friend. Yes, when lost in darkness all seems hopeless. Only true faith and God's light can save a soul. But many do not know the great truth and thus do not turn back. Sad that so many live and die not knowing. God bless you.

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 8/17/2023 3:01:00 AM

A deep, heartfelt cry of the soul, Robert. We cannot change others but we can certainly look in, within. God dwells in the cave of our heart and if we be still, we can connect with our inner being, which is living light. Questions cease as we become the answer, requiring thereafter no translator.

Robert Lindley
Date: 8/17/2023 5:07:00 AM

Thank you, my friend. That is so true we all need to connect fully with our inner spirit and follow the path that leads us on. As that path will be faith and God's true light. God bless.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/16/2023 5:13:00 PM

What are we to do…turn heavenward and never look back! Lot’s wife not our mentor…however our warning!

Robert Lindley
Date: 8/16/2023 5:43:00 PM

Thank you, my friend. So true heavenward and never look back. A pillar of salt was her fate. Drastic but very effective. God backs his word always. God bless.

Tom Woody

Date: 8/16/2023 1:14:00 PM

I find the best rule for navigating this life can be found at John 13:35. I hope the young you discovered that sooner rather than later

Robert Lindley
Date: 8/16/2023 2:07:00 PM

Thank you, my friend. Yes, but it took me about 14 more years. Better late than never. During that 14 years I suffered many times and did so quite mightily. God bless.

Robert Lindley

Date: 8/16/2023 8:20:00 AM

Yes, Iwas mentally searching a lot about life back then. My father had died 2 years before and my mother and I did not EVER get along.