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Open Poetry #10
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Ponderings....
| Open Poetry #10 |
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Ponderings.... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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(with no intent to offend anyone) As years pass by on hurried wings I set myself to ponder What lies in wait up there for me behind that starry yonder. Some being that is all supreme is logical to me But there must be a thousand symbols - which one can it be? There are so many gods to choose from? How can this be done? With each one stating that their god can be the only one. Every church has its belief but there's one thing for certain.... No one knows what happens on the far side of the curtain. Yet every faith is sure they know what happens after death And it will be their God there waiting at your final breath But, should you choose another, you are doomed to die in vain Though how they know is something they cannot seem to explain. I've studied Buddhists, Moslems, Taoists, Christians and the Jews Yet find there's something lacking still, no matter who I choose. Perhaps there's just one God above with many different names Who is the God for everyone, regardless of the claims. I'd like to think there's someone I could pray my soul to take But find that I have problems with the apple and the snake. I'm told if I do not believe in faith considered blind Then heaven will not open gates of entry for my kind. So I will dwell on it no longer..it will be my plan To concentrate on my life here and be a friend to man All I can do is live my life as kind as I can be And, if that isn't good enough, then Heaven's not for me. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
With your heart I am sure it will be enough. No offense taken here at all. Sometimes the answers are not meant to be given....just knowing the questions and realizing that kindness and love for fellow man should be enough. Superb penning |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Balladeer--I can relate to this so well...I see so much beauty around me in people and in nature...I see a little bit of God in myself...and everything else...and if I live my life in kindness and in love...then that IS my relegion. Great poem!! |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
it's beautiful!!! a perfect poem!!! you are beautiful....... every word is true thank you for penning my heart (((hug)))) oh, and hey, if for some reason both of us inadvertantly attach the wrong name to Him, and they won't let us in... wanna go shoot some pool? if there is... and i know there is... a God... there is only one... and He won't keep honest, good people out...no matter what name they call Him.... and if there's not, well, there's gotta be some good chicken wings, a diner with some great food, and maybe a pool hall somewhere, huh? |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
'deer! You forget, there is always a place in Heaven for a poet! I agree with your sentiments, sometimes we 'organize' faith out of the faithful.  |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Bal: Great, super message....  But I'll let you into a secret, you'll know me in any faith cause my wings will buzz, (just like Buzz aka Toe) becaue they'll shelter you from harm and because following me will be a rainbow set to start a fire... Like I said, superb, tactful post...may all our dreams reach out and touch one another in whichever heaven you believe in...just watch for the angel that teases you unmercifully...cause that will be me, have no doubt on that score...*g* Even Lucifer would have a hard time with me, I'd scare him with a rainbow, bring him down with love and shame him with honesty...the rat!!... oooops |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
A difficult topic, written beautifully. I'm sure God has not taken offense In fact He's probably applauding Liz |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I think we've all had these same ponderings at one time or another...if not, it would mean that we are not thinking creatures. I can't speak for the other religions but I know that Christianity is not meant to be a religion of blind faith, but a faith based on thousands of years of revelation. I can't give you the 'address' but somewhere way back in the Old Testament, God says, "Come let us reason together." Whatever is needful to be understood, can be. What can't be understood, doesn't have to be understood. I think all religions that advocate blind faith are doing a great disservice to mankind. They are demanding something that even God does not demand. I also believe that anyone with an honest heart seeking after God will be led to God. It's what is in the heart that matters most. I don't believe that God minds doubt and honest questioning. How else would one come to the answers without questioning?! Great writing as always, Balladeer! Denise |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Michael...you have penned with your gift of wisdom the questions we all ask our selves at some time in our lives. Its not the name on the sign, or the man that stands up at the pulpit ... its the voice we hear from with-in and the light that shines from our hearts when we find our own peace in just knowing... the quiet comfort is the higher power ... all we have to do is believe ... (for some of of the hardest part is believing in our selves) you ponder with class and grace my sweet poetice pal... always ... later-wise-gator jm |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
I had to come back to this thread to say this... i believe that the problem is... people, "religions", or creeds... that EXCLUDE people... IMHO... ALL people are God's people... there IS only ONE God... and although i truly believe that the Man who came here and claimed to be the Christ, was exactly who He said He was... which is most important... all Man and all God all at the same time!!!.. a true connection... but that's just MY belief i ALSO believe that God doesn't leave ANYBODY out... because God is all that's good and how could He possibly leave out hundreds of thousands of Hindus and Buddhists and the multi-million other faiths on this planet and all GOOD people who don't profess any religion????? i truly believe that He reveals Himself to each of us in different ways... in ways that we can best understand Him... and exclusion based on creed is dangerous and damaging to people's lives... and Michael has revealed that truth here in this most beautifully written piece of poetry which i will always treasure |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Mark...thank you for the kind comments. I hope you are right. Martie...I think kindness and love is a wonderful religion....and I certainly see God in your pen. Thank you Doreen...I would certainly hope He wouldn't and, if he does, pool and chicken wings sounds great!!  Thank you for your wonderful words....deVine one...I agree that poets should have their own special section...with a spectacular view! Thank you...Rainbow...pity the Devil that crosses you! I'm sure you'll be around. How could it be Heaven without you??? Elizabeth....could be. It's been thundering here for hours!  Thank you, good friendDenise...the grace and eloquence that you use in your reply is a credit to both you and your beliefs. I applaud you.... JM...class and grace is named Janet Marie. Your thoughts and reply are wonderful things. I'm VERY happy to know you..... Doreen....WOW! Obviously this subject is very close to you and I concur with your thoughts completely. Millions of people lived before the birth of Christ. I would hate to think they are excluded from life everlasting because they were born too early. I'm sure there must be reasons for all of the questions we may have and perhaps it is just not in God's plan to reveal them. I know that I am not smart enough to and that is why I concentrate on what I DO know, which is this life and, hopefully, if I do it right, the hereafterwill be there. You;re right! You would have been the PERFECT campaign manager for President Balladeer and VP LongJohn!!! |
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ggrn3 Member
since 2000-08-17
Posts 433Nahunta Georgia U.S. |
Mr. Deer You've penned your "Ponderings" very well in this piece. Oh, but you always do. I can't say that I've read anything you've written that I didn't like. I quickly becoming your biggest fan Garfield |
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SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Balladeer~ I loved this. It takes more than showing up for church every Sunday to get into Heaven, it's what's in your heart. -SEA |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Yes, Yes, and Yes again!!! Methinks you just broke my fever, a poet and philospher, and now a healer too...what a man!!! |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh Balladeer ... I curtsey to you in how you so beautifully and tactfully handled such a difficult topic. Well done! I hold to one simple line in my daily grind ... "do unto others, as you would have others do unto you". I believe it all comes full circle, and with this simple verse, it makes all else easier to follow. The thing I love about this topic ... is that "some day" we will all know, and until then, I'll keep my heart and mind open. I loved this Michael. Best wishes, /Kit |
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tracie66 Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713Australia |
Oh dear Bal This is great, I do believe there is an afterlife of some kind and I believe we are all headed there no matter what. I don't believe in hell, to me it doesn't exist we all have a second chance but hey why not make the most of this one just in case, cause who really knows what awaits us after death??????? Tracie~ Love is the life of the soul... It is the harmony of the universe |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
WOW... You've written about religion and you have no dissenters??... That's an amazing feat - You've done an astounding job, of course - I really enjoyed this read, my friend... ...and BTW.. The one true God has no "religion"... |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Deer, seems you've opened heaven's floodgate. I liked the questions and even the answers. Be well Kethry "It is the image in the mind that links us to lost treasures; but it is the loss that shapes the image, gathers the flowers weaves the garland."- |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
The first "Bible verse" I ever learned was really only part of a verse: "God is love." But the whole verse has sustained me as the beliefs of my parents became something I couldn't accept as my own: "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (1 John 4:8) I believe religions should exclude hatred... instead many of the religious hate those they exclude. If I'm wrong, I guess I'll learn to play pool. *G* (I hope those chicken wings are extra spicy! *G*) Of course, if I should make it to heaven, I expect to find a poets' corner.... After all, I'll need y'all to describe every nook and corner so that I can "see" it... for I've no intention of taking my eyes off of Toe! *G* |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
God probably already has a job picked out for you ... like ... sharpening Cupids' arrows |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
So many ways to believe, and so little time to enjoy them all... Karilea When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ |
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jinxed Member
since 2000-09-27
Posts 86 |
ok, i won't argue names, cause first i need to get my life up to "kind as I can be", then i will seek an introduction....but...sigh...i think troubled souls are already on his list, cause if he isn't taking care of me...then who is?....hugs for a great poem |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
'Deer - Great writing and a lot of thought went into this poem. You have a way of reaching people that makes you a true gift for us all. A blessing? You? Why not? Maybe we all should try to be blessings for others. It was good of you to point the way, 'Deer. |
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
I feel sure that there will be a special place in heaven for a POET who brings so much pleasure. The angels will sit in awe as you read your sweet poetry.  |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Garfield...with fans like you, I must be doing something right! I thank you for your kindness SEA...Yes, it does. Many who simply show up feel that their requirement is met..the heart is indeed what matters. Thank you.... serenity...I'm happy to break your fever but I would prefer to give you one Your comment is very special and I thank you Kit...I truly believe that you do live by that rule. It shows in your writings Your heart and mind are both wonderful things..tracie66...I couldn't agree more! Just live this one the best way we can and, hopefully, the next one will take care of itself. Nan....that IS a little mind-boggling, isn't it? I hesitated on posting because I didn't want to raise a controversy and I have come to see again how open and special people here really are....thanks for dropping in Kethry....and I appreciate the comment Suthern...extra spicy coming up and there's always room in the side pocket for you! I admire your thoughts here, my friend. Not keep your eyes off Toe? In Heaven?? You kidding?? Rex...actually I was hoping to fill in for the little cherub once in a while Sunshine....ain't it the truth! We just have to do what we can do jinxed...who are you kidding? From what I know about you, kindness is there in abundance. I'm sure there's a special angel assigned to you....and working overtime! LongJohn...your witty comments make me laugh but your sincere ones give me a warm feeling of having done something right. I thank you, sir inot2B...what a kind thing for you to say! Thank you!! (I'm still looking for angels here on earth ) |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
You've penned my thoughts here Mr B. And in such an eloquent, poignant way - the way that is your trademark. Peace, Chris |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Well, well, well... Sir Balladeer... you have stirred up the pot and cooked a mighty fine stew with this one. Me? Hmmmm... there is no heaven and there is no hell... just something else that comes after for this thing we call 'soul.' God & the Devil... opposite sides of the coin to be found within us all... good & evil... how much we succumb to one or the other decides how we are seen by others and ourselves. Is there an ultimate being? I think so... there is just too much out there to have happened on its own. But no labels we as humans could ever speak will ever suffice... its too big to wrap our brains around, much less our tongues. Some might say I'm in left field for these thoughts, but that's OK, I like catching the occassional fly ball that comes my way. It's a pity there is so much fighting and suffering over what amounts to really no more than a life style. As for me... I'll do the best I can for myself and others... live with love and compassion... and die with the desire to see beyond this world. What ever there is out there, I'm sure it will be a trip. Peace to you and yours, and thanks for the thought provoking poetry. Your friend here and now, and on the other side... Andrew, Scott |
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Gemini Senior Member
since 1999-12-15
Posts 1203Wisconsin, USA |
Balladeer-These ponderings have also crossed my way and I have studied other religions. I believe as you do, its not so much who is right about the great beyond, but what we do with what we have while here. I think our purpose here is what we leave behind, be it poetry or other lives our lives touch, that makes passing this way oh so special. You've written some awesome thought provoking words, not offensive, but appreciated. Take care my friend. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
I believe God has prepared a place for our souls...and if one can believe in God it is not so hard to believe that he sent a son to die for us and our sins and when we die our souls will be free to live with God just as his precious son Jesus has already done...our day will come...don't get me wrong...I love every day he gives me to walk this earth but also look forward to everlasting life with my creator...James |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
I believe and am a Christian, even when I am disappointed in life, can't explain it, but know and feel him in my heart. But I can understand you, and its great to read, the way that you think about it, knowing that a lot of people will recognize it. like your way of writing Charisma |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
And ya didn't even mention a single awful thought about Toe?...Why, what's up here? Yammean Suthern won't find me in heaven? But, I'm such a fine spiritual person, (at least I was on acid)......Very well done here Mr. Deer.......your ponderings are pretty well pondered out I'd say....... |
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MMoonchild Senior Member
since 2000-07-13
Posts 1715PA |
So I will dwell on it no longer..it will be my plan To concentrate on my life here and be a friend to man All I can do is live my life as kind as I can be And, if that isn't good enough, then Heaven's not for me. this is how I feel also...nicely written Balladeer ~~smiles Maureen |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ I am reminded of a saying my grandmother had - 'Believe in something - and start with yourself! Each day you live - give ! It doesn't matter who you call God - it only matters that He calls you ! Give Him a reason to know your name.' A wonderful write, my friend. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
I think the operative word here is BELIEF...whatever you believe, have faith in. whatever makes you the person you are...thats BELIEF...whos to say which ones right or wrong? Like you I feel being a kind compassionate person...willing to be there for a friend or a stranger...I may not worship in a building but as long as I can see and appreciate whats around me and treat others with respect and kindness then heavens gate should stand wide for me. |
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Daniel J D Senior Member
since 2000-10-01
Posts 1471Hillcrest, Queensland, Australia |
I agree with Poetdevine that there is a place in Heaven for poets. For you There is no doubt the gates have already opened. The God of all has already welcomed you. |
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