Notes About The Poem

The View of the Church of Saint-Paul de Mausole, by Vincent van Gogh 1889

You Shall Reap What You Sow

The sky 
reflected in the harvested field
that laps up against the walls of 
the Church of Saint-Paul de Mausole.
A surge of incriminating waves 
upon which the Word is cast,
its roots in the church 
that’s defined in outline
against the random aspect of the sky:
a nirvana,
or heaven – 
not to be dictated to 
by mere mortals.

A modest harvest 
loosely stacked against the outer wall
representing the total sum of souls
still hoping for salvation,
but excluded 
from the church’s close.
You shall reap what you sow.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Bell Avatar
February 4, 2024 at 5:31 AM
That'll be me, chapping the door looking for salvation and being told bluntly, no. Seemingly running by nine churches doesn't get you through the door. God does love a tryer though.
Richards Avatar
February 4, 2024 at 5:39 AM
I think that we have the spirit of love and hope in all of us - we just need to listen ...
Kendrick Avatar
July 28, 2023 at 3:27 AM
Today the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few, more so than any other time in history because there are so many people in the world without God. Thanks for sharing this one with us and for dropping by my page. Sara
Richards Avatar
July 28, 2023 at 3:53 AM
That is the truth, Sara.
Ray Avatar
July 27, 2023 at 9:33 PM
this is what i so love about poetry that walk the painting off the wall and exposes the avenues within, the depth of its cul de sacs....excellent execution herein....nice job
Richards Avatar
July 28, 2023 at 12:16 AM
Thank you for reading and your comment, Timothy
Daniel Avatar
July 27, 2023 at 2:20 AM
Wow! This is a great ekphrasis, Suzette:)
Richards Avatar
July 27, 2023 at 2:35 AM
Thanks, Jo :)
Stanford Avatar
July 27, 2023 at 1:05 AM
Just brillant
Richards Avatar
July 27, 2023 at 2:37 AM
Thank you
Rolland Avatar
July 26, 2023 at 8:02 PM
Beautiful poem, in harmony of Vincent' painting, so sensitive, thanks
Richards Avatar
July 26, 2023 at 8:52 PM
Thanks, Yarn :)
Richards Avatar
July 26, 2023 at 6:17 AM
An aside: Vincent's father was a pastor. Many of Vincent's letters to his brother, Theo, touched on religious themes.
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