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Two Sons

Unequally yoked didn't deny
common grace in an atheistic womb.
Half of the prayers were enough for him.
Blessed in health and time,
but reckless in his early years.
Under other tapestries laid all those fine linens of Egypt.
In each embrace, I placed a wager on just how slow your anger.

The hypocrite damns their own house.
Demons perched on the edge of puberty,
filled my son's eyes hopeless and left his rare word—flat. 
Paper towels the papyrus of superficial coping
lines of scabs formed sleeves of braille
as the wages of sin reached for my son's throat mocking
two inpatient stays hanging in a precarious chemical salvation.

Another orphan from faith and repentance disobeyed,
juxtaposed with Job who lost ten.
Fear cultivated the prayers that grew
the humility that put your Son on the Cross,
and wouldn't gamble with mine.

Your general call turned effectual
A new volition has moved my son to gather
with those that feed the hunger
from the table of the Word.
When the hand of Grace shakes the elect
from their own slumber
in The Storm on the Sea of Galilee.
Taken back from Rembrandt's thieves,
no longer hidden away.

Beyond Jonah's anger that killed the vine,
and desecrated memories of seized temples
roam those ghosts of the giants of Lebanon.
Every idle word winnows the threshing floor
forever the wheat from the tare.

The solace that the chosen 
are given in this life's labor
under The Cross that the world must hate,
divine regeneration gives the measures
of reverence and gratitude
for every thorn on this side,
and your Heaven full of treasures.

Copyright © Rob Carmack | Year Posted 2026

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Date: 9/13/2026 6:09:00 AM

It took a few reads to fully grasp the depth of your magnificent write, Rob. Such a powerful message of your son’s struggle and redemption, layered with deep theological concepts. A real treat to read. Thank you!
Date: 9/12/2026 11:31:00 AM

full of power and faith, Rob, "for every thorn on this side, and your Heaven full of treasures."
Date: 7/26/2026 7:59:00 PM

since i'm always slip sliding through my own process of becoming, i found uour narrative cathartic and transformational; the openess charged with hallowed grace is an inspiration in itself...may you walk with faith, with your children as you journey on with more divine, experiential encounters with Spirit...thankyou for this precious offering; a fave for me, rob.
Date: 7/22/2026 5:19:00 PM

I found this one quite interesting, Rob. I was glad to read your testimony. I am delighted that you have the faith. Sara K.
Date: 6/21/2026 10:50:00 AM

Bob, your poetry is a moving meditation between you and your children's encounters with supernatural intervention. The use of metaphors and religious themes throughout the story is difficult yet very effective. There is a logical progression to the story, and the allusions to religion are appropriate and considerate. Your poem is not only fascinating but also reflects real-life experience. This is a favorite.
Date: 6/18/2026 1:48:00 AM

A write to help contemplation Rob though our challenges mount up They cannot amount to Gods grace.'
Date: 6/3/2026 4:28:00 PM

Thank you for sharing some of your life's experiences with us. When we become a Christian, Satan gets on the ball trying to destroy us and our family. It is not easy living the life we should live, but the rewards ar out of this world. Way to go. Sara K.
Date: 5/3/2026 3:23:00 AM

I'm not going to lie Rob, your poem is not an easy read both for its form and its subject but it rewards the reader on repeat readings. For someone like me who is a little left of being agnostic I found this to be a fascinating read. Poems based on personal experience are ever so more powerful and hit home. The fragility of life is something we all take for granted at times. I'm glad this was a winner in Daniel's contest. Congratulations. Cheers - Gary
Date: 4/30/2026 7:48:00 PM

Big congrats. An awesome win
Date: 4/16/2026 5:32:00 PM

Rob, first I would like to say that God is watching over your sons and- you. Prayers are answered, indeed. Also, I had no idea that you had a silent heart attack. Life is fragile, and I am reminded that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. So thankful you're here, my dear friend. Hugs, Brandy
Date: 4/15/2026 4:36:00 PM

I think I remember about your silent heart attack. It just wasn't your time, Rob
Date: 4/15/2026 4:36:00 PM

This is such an interesting lovely look at your own experiences with prayer and relating then to biblical characters. I am not good at prayer. Something in me just can't seem to reach a spiritual level to feel I am effective in praying although I do it every other day or so. I did feel like I got an answer once or twice. When I knew in my mind that chemo on top of radiation was overkill after surgery,. I prayed and God led me to two doctors who told me chemo would be a crazy thing to do!

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