It's Best to Know and Do

It's Best to Know and Do
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

I drink all of it quickly down,
I cannot get enough.
It seems to me a golden crown,
The best of worldly stuff.

I learn all knowledge that I can,
I’ll take as much as I can get,
I am learning’s greatest fan,
And so right here I’ll sit.

Though many tasks now call to me,
I can’t tear myself away.
I have too many books to see,
I must learn the things they say.

Yet, is it right to learn and not apply?
To build up, and knowledge merely store?
While suffering persons pass us by,
As we leave closed our door?

Knowledge sometimes puffs us up,
Until compassion dies.
While love will fill the beggar’s cup,
Yes, Charity edifies.

It’s different with a Scripture feast,
They have a great message that’s true,
They help the selfish hand release,
To know, and also do.

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Loving God Far More than Life

Loving God Far More than Life
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

It is uncommon for people to think,
Of their upcoming death.
Our spirits are troubled and start to sink,
For, time will stop all breath.

I must think about all this,
For, I’m condemned to die.
It is my family that I’ll miss,
They’re the reason that I cry.

And I will die an innocent man,
For, I’m wrongfully accused.
And so I pray and wait and plan,
For God’s love to be infused.

While I have no bitterness today,
And my heart is free of hate.
There are some things I want to say,
Before it is too late.

When a person faces death with hope,
Faith grows and comfort comes.
Even if a noose is made with rope,
As the ticking clock still drums.

Faith and love both conquer fear.
A clear conscience, great peace brings.
Yes, even as my death draws near,
My heart, with joy still sings.

I wish that I were able to live,
And raise my children up.
There’s so much that I could give,
To overflow, with joy their cup.

I know the Lord is truly pleased,
When his children wish to stay.
I know our sorrows can be eased,
Though skies are cold and grey.

We all should LIVE upon this earth,
As long as life can last.
For, from the moment of our birth,
The time runs out so fast.

I will not die in a prison yard,
For a crime that I’ve confessed.
But this death, for me is just as hard
For, my cancer has progressed.

The death that soon will come to me,
Isn’t something I desire.
Yet, even so, I clearly see,
God’s love must cleanse like fire.

Though death is absolutely frightening,
I know that God will take me home.
The word of God is so enlightening,
As through this valley I roam.

Yes, while I wish that I could stay,
Spending time with my sweet wife,
I’ll trust the things the scriptures say,
And love God, far more than life.

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The Individual in the Group

The Individual in the Group
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

If good individuals work with others,
They can share and help and lift.
As a sister or a brother,
Yes, from God they are a gift.

Good groups know more together,
Than individuals ever could,
This brings blessings forever,
As they magnify the good.

There always is a leader
In every group that forms.
They are the silent meter
That validates the norms.

If a good leader is rejected,
Then by another they’ll be led.
Individual minds are then affected,
By the motives in that head.

Some leaders sow corruption.
Like a disease, it then can spread,
Bringing angers’ black eruption,
That fills with hate the head.

So in this situation,
Involving groups of any kind.
We must find some inspiration,
And use the power of our mind.

To guard freedom, born of trust,
And preserve our liberty,
We must find the one who’ll lead us,
To the place we need to be.

We should be a willing servant,
When we’re called upon to lead.
Being watchful and observant,
Helping others in their need.

Individuals can decide,
To stay pure and free of sin.
When the atonement is applied,
God’s household we’ll be in.

Yes, even if you feel alone,
And the group despises you.
Walk the path the Lord has shown,
And form the group, of God and you.

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Our Hearts Can Heal

Our Hearts Can Heal
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

Among the headstones on the grounds
Where children sometimes play
There is a spot without the sounds
That little children say

This is where a child’s at rest
Beneath the sod and flower
These tombstones are with tears caressed
Til’ Resurrections hour

While we await the Lord’s return
To rectify our grief
We know we’ll see his glory burn
Rewarding our belief

Until that glorious day is here
The sorrow is quite real
Our Lord will also shed a tear
Through him our hearts can heal.

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With Many Tears and No Regrets

With Many Tears and No Regrets
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

Rising up high, with black, terrible power,
I see a storm forming, to give earth a shower.

Violent clouds boil right down toward me,
Bringing darkness so thick that I cannot see.

A storm fulfills its violent threats,
With many tears and no regrets.

There is no safe, dry place to hide,
When lightening strikes you from inside.

With a rush of noise and fear,
The raging flood is drawing near.

It smells of rotten leaves and pain,
The ugly power of beautiful rain.

This angry water from the sky,
Was once small droplets, miles high.

It now has gathered, fierce and cold,
To let its hate and wrath unfold.

In this world, there’s destruction and woe,
There's also a lesson each person should know.

God sends forth the rain on both evil and just.
And he also tries our patience and trust.

Yet, even this storm, that hides the sky,
Which glares at me, and bids me die,

Can also be stopped if it be our God’s will,
When Jesus says to the water, “Be Still.”

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A Perfect Family

A Perfect Family
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

From the dawn of our beginning
Upon this wondrous earth.
God has a plan for winning.
Starting with a child's birth.

Each child of God that comes here
Needs a mom and daddy first.
Could we conquer every fear
If each child, with love, were nursed?

Things, sometimes, aren't worked out
In perfection, in this mortal life.
Some people take a different route
And don't love, as man and wife.

So, when our lives are lonely
And pain is all around
We must look to our God only
Where his purest love is found.

Yes, we can be adopted
Into the fold of God.
There’s peace for all who’ve opted
To grasp the iron rod.

For, even if earthly family ties
Dissolve and turn to dust.
God will wipe tears from our eyes
As we place in him our trust.

The second birth creates for you
A built-in family.
And they will be forever true
Throughout eternity.

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Visited Before

Visited Before
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

God lives and is real.
He listens when you pray.
Pure love, he wants us all to feel.
He'll guide our steps today.

This supreme creator,
Loves us endlessly,
He calls a revelator,
And helps us all to see.

His love is so extensive.
He sent his only son.
This gift was so expensive!
The bridge he built is done!

Let us love him in return,
Though life is full of pain,
Remember that this earth will burn,
When Jesus comes again.

We need not fear the devil's roar,
We can be free of shame,
If we've been visited before,
By God's great cleansing flame.

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Meat-lovers Deep Dish Doctrines

Meat-lovers Deep Dish Doctrines
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

Sunday School’s a place for learning,
Yet, all knowledge isn’t the same.
New subjects can create a yearning,
To silence instructors with shame.

Some only want to hear safe topics;
They want to sleep all through the class.
Like spending a weekend in the tropics,
With things that only “came to pass.”

We say we seek to know all truth,
Then we’re mad to know a certain thing.
We like to learn just in our youth,
With a familiar song to sing.

After the milk has been consumed,
Sometimes we don't want the meat.
It takes a lot to then resume,
Serving food the saints will eat.

Some knowledge is of greater worth,
So we teach the things the saints will need.
Soon after they have found re-birth,
His sheep we gently feed.

Yet, I long to dwell near holy thrones,
In perfect unity.
Where we can sit and “gnaw the bones,”
Throughout eternity.

There is Hope

There is Hope
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

O struggling world so full of strife
Thy God is near to thee
He is the way to peace in life
Bright hope I truly see

For when we place our hand in thine
Our footsteps thou wilt lead
And guide us with a light divine
With love supply our need

The nations of the earth must bow
In deep humility
To find the peace you offer now
To view the hope I see

For death or trial with pain and grief
May come to me today
I through the Savior find relief
That peace inside will stay

My hope for our dark troubled earth
Is peace for you and I
The answer is the second birth
That Jesus can supply.

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A Blog World

A Blog World
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

I saw a room, the other day,
Where bride and groom, just talk all day.
They never hear, the other speak,
Or wipe a tear, from the others cheek.
They’re only speaking, all the time,
With faces weeping, like a mime.
With her computer, and his laptop,
There could be an intruder, but they wouldn’t stop.
They go on blogging, without living life.
On this treadmill jogging, are husband and wife.
What are they hoping, as they both write?
Or are they just coping, with long lonely night?
In reality, they're reaching out for their mate.
With their blog-words beseeching, for love and not hate.
Yet, sending this plea, into deep cyberspace,
Can’t help them to see, love in each others face.
And the people they blog to, yes, it’s such a sad scene,
For, would-be readers are glued to the bright T.V. screen.


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The Windhover by Gerard Manley Hopkins

The Kestrel, a Worthy Servant: an Explication of the Poem
“The Windhover” by Gerard Manley Hopkins.
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

The Windhover
by Gerard Manley Hopkins

To Christ our Lord

I caught this morning morning's minion
Kingdom of daylight's dauphin
dapple-dawn-drawn Falcon, in his riding
Of the rolling level underneath him steady air, and striding
High there, how he rung upon the rein of a wimpling wing
In his ecstasy! then off, off forth on swing,
As a skate's heel sweeps smooth on a bow-bend: the hurl and gliding
Rebuffed the big wind. My heart in hiding
Stirred for a bird, – the achieve of, the mastery of the thing!


Brute beauty and valour and act, oh, air, pride, plume, here
Buckle! and the fire that breaks from thee then, a billion
Times told lovelier, more dangerous, O my chevalier!

No wonder of it: shéer plód makes plough down sillion
Shine, and blue-bleak embers, ah my dear
Fall, gall and gash gold-vermilion.


Gerard Manley Hopkins is able to communicate the glory of God through his observations about the beauty of nature in his poem “The Windhover.” In this poem Hopkins indicates that he is writing this poem to the greater glory of God. He says that a person can never explain or demonstrate the grandeur of God as effectively as do the creations of God which are found only in nature. In this poem, Hopkins uses a very loose Italian sonnet form; the poem contains an octave and a sestet but the sestet is divided into two tercets.
Hopkins begins his poem by describing how one morning he caught sight of a Kestrel, as though it were a representative or servant of God in charge of the morning, or as though it were the Prince of the kingdom of daylight. (Line 1) Hopkins uses alliteration extensively in the first line with the “m” sound. He tries to mirror the beauty of nature with the beautiful sound effects in his poem.
Hopkins indicates that when God created the Kestrel he drew spots on its body and he says that he saw and admired the spots as it flew overhead. (Line 2) Because of his poem “Pied Beauty,” we know how much Hopkins likes “dappled things.” In the second line he uses alliteration with the “d” sound and then on the last half of the line he switches to assonance using the “I” sound. There are so many lines that are enjamned in this poem that it makes the poem flow like a soaring bird that is free to swoop and glide. Hopkins states that the Kestrel was flying above him on the steady air that flows under a wing when it is gliding and that the kestrel looked like he was strutting proudly up in the sky. (Line 3) The most notable sound effects in the third line are the assonance tied to the word level and the alliteration of the “s” sound.
It was beautiful to Hopkins, to see this bird riding the sky and gliding with the feathers on his wings rippling. The kestrel was in perfect control like a rider holding the reigns of a horse. (Line 4) In this fourth line Hopkins uses alliteration with the “h” sound and then uses assonance with the ‘I” sound.
The kestrel seemed as though it were in ecstasy. Then the kestrel swooped off to try and kill a skate (a smaller bird) for breakfast. (Line 5) In this line Hopkins uses consonance with the “s” sound and then the “n” sound.
The kestrel sweeps smoothly after the skate in a graceful arc. Its movement was so beautiful that it was as though the kestrel was telling a gusty wind that it could not stop it from it’s objective. (Line 6)
Hopkins says that as he watched the kestrel pursue the skate that his heart which had been asleep and quiet now was filled with excitement and passion because of the kestrel’s behavior. (Line 7)
He was very moved and amazed at the skill and mastery of the kestrel’s ability and precision. (Line 8)
The kestrel was so bold, agile and strong and flew with such confidence! The wind and the beautiful colors of the bird’s feathers blew his mind! (Line 9)
The glory that shown forth out from this magnificent creature was more beautiful by far than the morning light and the beauty of its feathers alone. (Line 10)
This glory was told in a lovely and dangerous way like a knight riding into battle. (Line 11)
This magnificent sight was no surprise as nature is so beautiful; such as when a plow steadily turns up the soil and the clay breaks off in smooth surfaces and shines in the sunlight. (Line 12)
This scene was a beautiful tribute to Gods grandeur, as the blue glistening feathers sparkled in the sunlight. (Line 13)
The kestrel had grabbed onto the skate and they fell to the earth in a bitter struggle as the kestrels talons gashed the body of the skate and covered it with crimson blood. (Line 14) The words “fall” and “gall” in line 14, are an example of interior rhyme and present one of the most beautiful and dramatic sound effects in the poem.
As we consider Hopkins use of alliteration in this poem, we observe that Hopkins writes three or four words at a time trying to use alliteration with each one and then for the second half of the line he switches to a new sound having exhausted the possibility of the first.
The meter seems to have an iambic foot and yet it has so many variations that it almost has no foot. The number of syllables in the lines has no definite pattern to it either. Often during the poem the meter switches to a spondee foot with a strong-strong meter. These strong-strong parts of the poem seem to occur often in the middle of his lines. It is as though Hopkins wants us to take notice to certain words that he has slammed together such as in line 6 when he says, “sweeps smooth.” This spondee meter deviation gives the poem an overall feeling similar to what one may receive from listening to a drummer perform his own unique beat, a pleasing and after a few lines, familiar and beautiful beat.
On line twelve Hopkins added his own accent marks on the words “sheer” and “plod” this adds to the strong-strong beat of the meter in line twelve. This strong-strong meter emphasizes the deliberate and powerful unearthing of sparkling beauty which leads Hopkins to exclaim, “Ah, my dear.”
Hopkins may not have realized that a careless observer would completely miss the lessons such moments provide unless they are pointed out to an individual by a poet such as Hopkins. I feel certain that Hopkins was aware of the fact that his words are very beautiful while, at the same time, following the instructions regarding humility found in the bible, “He that abaseth himself shall be exalted.” In Hopkins case this approach seems to have worked in the literary world as well.
I am familiar with the wonder and excitement that can come as we observe nature from within it; as a part of nature itself. When I was a boy, I was flying a plastic kite that had the image of a hawk on it. I could make this kite swoop and dive just like a real hawk. As I was flying the kite one day, a real hawk came and circled near my kite and dove at the ground when I made my kite dive. This was nothing short of an exhilarating spiritual experience for me and one that was so exciting that it left an indelible impression on my young mind.
Because Gerard Manley Hopkins is able to communicate the glory of God through his observations about the beauty of nature, Hopkins succeeds in glorifying God through his observations. The words of this poem cannot compare to the beauty that can be witnessed first hand, out in nature. However, the words of Gerard Manley Hopkins come very close to being just as beautiful and as moving as the actual experience.

Ghost Town

Ghost Town
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

Darkness in the City
Brings a pensive mood
My state should bring me pity
Caused by thoughts on which I brood

This City is a ghost town
As empty as despair
Tonight I’m feeling down
And there’s no one here to care

Sure, The homes are full of people
Their lights are blazing bright
I can see the lighted steeple
On the church house, through the night

But I also see the shadow
Of friends who once lived here
Their hearts made my heart glow
And filled my life with cheer

So many friends have moved away
And yet their ghosts remain
“Remember me” their houses say
In haunting, slow refrain

I cannot travel down the road
Once the sun has set
For, all the memories kindness sowed
Will not let me forget

So many houses with memories living
Those families sure were kind
I miss the sharing and the giving
That soothed my lonely mind

And yet, before I moved to this home
Someone’s friend first moved away
So wherever all my friends may roam
They will find more friends I pray

Yes, I’ll try to be the kind of friend
I hope and pray to meet
Because I know that in the end
I must love, to be complete.

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Refining Fire

By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

When life seems really sad
And full of punishment
It's not always cause' we've been bad
That the trials have been sent

In the Scriptures as we read, we see
Hard times the righteous face
Though pure in word and deed
They had to run this mortal race

The glorious crown we hope to win
Isn't in this place of scorn
For, though the Lord was free from sin
He wore a crown of thorn

Please, Lord guide us to the light
May we heed the words you say
Stay with us through this night
Til' we behold Celestial day

The trials of this life
Can inflict no lasting harms
If we trust God through the strife
Til' once again we're in his arms.

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To Clearly See

By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

We need to see things clearly
If we want to know the truth
We must hunger for it dearly
Hunting like a super-sleuth

We only see through darkly
As we travel in this life
Faith grows like a small tree
Overcoming storm and strife

There is a gift as great as love
That our kind God will give
And he has sent it from above
To help our faith to live.

A seer is helpful to us all
In showing truth and light
In taking down tradition's wall
And ending darkest night

We all have misperceptions
About our history
We see murky reflections
In the way things used to be

We need the help, God will provide
To understand the past
The truth can help us then decide
To find great joy at last.

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The Gift and Power of the Holy Ghost

By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

The third member of the Godhead,
is a personage of spirit
Through his whisperings we are led,
as we listen close to hear it

Without a body of flesh and bone,
he enters into our heart
The truths of God can then be known,
by those who do their part

The Godhead works, always together,
in perfect unity
Giving us strength, life’s storms to weather,
with blessings eternally

The Holy Ghost will reveal,
the truth to the righteous mind
This truth, once received, no devil can steal,
because of the plan God designed

This quiet communication,
delivered softly to you and I
Is a gentle invitation,
to love our king who came, for our sins, to die

The witness of the Holy Ghost,
brings peace and certainty
This helps our conversion the most,
beyond what natural eyes see

As we strive to walk the trail,
that leads to eternal joy and bliss
We know that we will never fail,
if his promptings we don’t miss

The spirit can protect us all,
from danger of any kind
As we each answer his loving call,
great peace we soon will find

The gifts of the spirit will help us
to bless, those who need our love
We can help them to confess and forsake sin,
and dwell with our Father above

The soothing voice of a father,
brings comfort to a crying child
Let us help a Sister or Brother,
feel peace from the spirit so mild

The Holy Ghost can fill us up,
with perfect love and hope
The Savior can enter and with us sup,
and cut sins binding rope

Through the Spirit’s mighty power,
we are sanctified
We can find in every hour,
our needs will be supplied

We must enter through the baptismal gate,
to reach the Kingdom that’s best
The Gift of the Holy Ghost helps conquer hate,
and brings us peace and rest

He’s the Holy Spirit of Promise, it’s true,
and in this, his capacity
He confirms the ordinances given to you,
and those that are given to me

This approval depends on our faithfulness,
we each need this to take place
Our Father wants to guide and bless,
so we’ll worship him face to face

All honest seekers of the truth,
can feel the spirits influence and direction
Please ask God to bless all our youth,
to be worthy of his protection

The gift of the Holy Ghost is more constant,
than its influence alone
The gift allows him always to be present,
so we’ll have greater joy than we’ve known

We must keep the commandments of the almighty,
if we desire the spirit, to guide
We can enjoy his great company,
as in the love of God we abide

Full enjoyment of this gift,
can make us fit for Celestial glory
Let us go forth to bless and lift,
and tell all the world Jesus’ story

Each blessing comes, one by one,
as we prepare our hearts for God’s will
We must live in harmony with his Son,
if we desire God’s power to feel

God will bestow upon us great strength,
if we love him with all that we are
We know that we will conquer at length,
we can make it, no matter how far

The Spirit of the Lord may grieve,
his power may be quenched
If tangled webs of sin we weave,
the joy from our lives may be wrenched

Let’s keep our souls clean through the Lord’s grace,
and fill all our lives up with beauty
With help from the spirit we’ll reach the right place,
and accomplish each sacred duty.

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For My Wife

For My Wife
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

I never can feel lonely
When thinking of your love;
Or when thinking of your purity
And sweet nature from above.

For goodness shining through your eyes
Like a sunbeam in the night,
Points the way, on the darkest day,
Filling my soul up with light.

You always show your love for me
With gentle tenderness,
And I always love your kisses
And to feel your sweet caress.

I know how much you love me,
I’ve known for quite awhile;
And wherever I roam, I love to come home,
To the beautiful light of your smile.

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Blind Eyes, Empowered by Faith to See: an Explication of John Milton's “[When I consider how my light is spent]”

By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet


[When I consider how my light is spent]
By John Milton

When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide;
“Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?”
I fondly ask; but patience to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best
Bear his mild yolk, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly, Thousands at his bidding speed
And post o’er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait.”


Through the words of his poem “[When I consider how my light is spent,]” John Milton turns the hearts and minds of suffering individuals to God and blesses them with comfort and understanding. Milton wants the words in this poem to continue to accomplish the work of God in the hearts and minds of his future readers. He demonstrates through his poetry and his own life that individuals can achieve strength during times of adversity through a connection with the Lord.
This Sonnet is written in the Italian form in iambic pentameter, following the pattern abba abba cde cde. Milton begins with an octave that raises questions and expresses his concerns. During his life, Milton had a great deal of success. Milton was a wealthy and influential person until a political change caused him to lose all of his property and to be shut up in prison. Milton also slowly lost his eyesight because of a degenerative disease.
Milton begins his poem by saying, “When I consider how my light is spent,” (Line 1) Here Milton alludes to one of the teachings of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus Christ said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
“Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light unto all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven” (NKJV). Milton is concerned about his personal ability to share his “light.” Milton departs from the iambic rhythm on the word “consider.” This disruption emphasizes that the things which he is considering, produce pain and disruption in his life.
Milton next writes, “Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, / And that one talent which is death to hide” (Lines 2 and 3) As we bear in mind that this man was blind, we see the reason he would refer to this as a dark world. Milton seems to be asking himself in this poem how well he is doing in his effort to accomplish the direction of Jesus Christ to let his light shine. When Milton refers to “that one talent which is death to hide,” he references Matthew 25:25-30. A summary of this Bible passage is as follows: A man was afraid because he was a broker and had been entrusted by a rich and powerful investor to use some of the investor’s money to produce a return on the investment. The man was so afraid of losing this money through poor decisions, that he buried the money in the ground until the investor returned. The investor was very angry and pointed out that if he had known that the broker was going to hide the money in the ground he could have given this money instead to a banker and at least received a modest amount of interest instead of nothing. The angry and powerful investor then ordered the broker to be cast into outer darkness, where there would be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Once again Milton departs from iambic pentameter on the word “one.” This emphasizes his lament about his current state of poverty, blindness, and imprisonment.
Milton continues, “Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent / To serve therewith my Maker, and present / My true account, lest he returning chide; / ‘Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?’” (Lines 4-7) On the word “lodged” Milton again departs from the iambic rhythm and we again feel an indication of feelings of frustration with his isolation and limited ability to share his influence. Milton indicates that he wants to use his resources to serve his maker; however, he says that because of his physical limitation, it is “lodged with him useless.” Milton wants a chance to present his case so that his righteous desires will be taken into account. He succeeds in his effort through this very poem. Milton wants to let his light shine so that the returning investor, the Lord, will not reprove him by asking, “Do you really expect to be paid when you did not share your light?”
Milton then states, “I fondly ask; but patience to prevent” (Line 8) Milton prays for patience so that he can avoid a situation where he must be reproved and punished by God.
This opening octave is followed in the poem by a sestet, (which answers the concerns and questions expressed in the octave.)
Milton writes, “That murmur, soon replies, ‘God doth not need / Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best / Bear his mild yolk, they serve him best. His state.” (Lines 9-11) The voice of the Holy Ghost then answers the murmured prayer of his heart and teaches him that God already has everything he needs to be happy. Those who endure cheerfully through their trials are His best followers. Milton is able to demonstrate, by writing this
poem that he is enduring cheerfully. Milton’s reference to a yoke is clearly referring to another scripture found in the Bible. This scripture is likely to be Matthew 11:28-30. In this passage Jesus Christ says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (NKJV). Milton again emphasizes the word “bear” by departing from the iambic rhythm. Milton shows on this word that it takes great effort to take that yoke upon us even though it is easy once we are coupled with God as a team.
Milton concludes by saying “Is kingly, Thousands at his bidding speed / And post o’er land and ocean without rest: / They also serve who only stand and wait.” (Lines 12-14) Milton indicates in these lines that the Lord is a King and there are thousands of servants who at the command of the Lord, will traverse the entire world and stand ready at their post. Those who patiently endure afflictions and look forward in faith to the second coming of the Lord, though unable to go on a spectacular voyage to a far away land, also serve him by being good examples to others who may suffer in the future. Milton’s message suggests that as we endure affliction without losing hope or faith in God, that we can still serve him, glorify him, and lead others to him as we patiently wait upon the Lord for healing and happiness in a future day.
Milton’s desires have been realized in the opportunity for students to write an explication of his poem after so many years have passed. John Milton continued to wait upon the Lord and thus was a good example and let his light shine. Through his poem, he presents the “true account” of the desires of his heart to serve God despite his limitations.
Milton’s poem is successful, not only in form and beauty, but also in the higher purpose intended by Milton. Through his words Milton turns the hearts and minds of suffering individuals to God and blesses them with comfort and understanding. By letting his light shine forth from out of a dark prison cell, Milton’s words comforted my heart when, two weeks ago, my Father had a massive stroke leaving him paralyzed on his left side. Because Milton was able to see with an eye of faith and share his vision with us, I’ve had the strength to comfort my Father, Who up until two weeks ago was serving as a Christian Bishop. I’ve comforted my father with the beautiful words of Milton, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” We wait upon the Lord and also glorify God today because of the timeless poetic work of John Milton.

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The Message of the Morning

The Message of the Morning
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

The fresh, clean, new day dawns so brightly
The morning is always so bold
It clears up the mist that forms nightly
Making way for the day to unfold

Watching though darkness we see the kind sun
Rising from midnights frozen grip
Shining with glory from the battle he's won
The sun begins on his warm skyward trip

Each time the sun begins the new day
We're reminded of the chance he is giving
For us when our lives have become dull and gray
to again rise and shine and to find joy in living.

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My Son

By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

Evening light is fading
The room is dark and still
My child, sleeping soundly
Must wake to take his pill

I wake him very gently
He cries, for he is tired
He tries to move but cannot
There's a machine to which he's wired

And after he's asleep again
My heart is very sad
I feel like I should fix all this
Because I am his dad

Dear Father, up in Heaven
I'm pleading with you now
I want to heal my child's pain
Please help, and show me how

I feel I have no answers
Oh, Father hear my cries
My son is someone special
Will you just watch him as he dies?

Then, I hear a gentle voice
Speaking to my mind
Fear not, my child, for there is peace
In the plan that I designed

You see, I understand your grief
For I have felt it too
My son has also suffered pain
I've been as sad as you

When my son suffered on the cross
I wasn't by his side
I couldn't be there with him
Or help him as he died

Please know I love you and your son
And hold his little hand
You see, your loving kindness
Is the help for him I planned

And when his short life slips away
I'll catch and hold him tight
I hope this knowledge helps you
to make it through the night

So, Listen to your heart, my child
And you will clearly see
Your Savior, Jesus, paid the price
That all may come to me.

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The Atonement of Jesus Christ

By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet

The loving Atonement performed by our Lord
Can help us to find harmony
God loved us so much that he sent forth the word
To reach out and to save you and me

Jesus alone could rescue and save
And help us be made perfect too
He Helps us to get the mercy we crave
By showing us what we should do

The penalty warranted by all our sin
Required the infinite gift
The battle with Satan we each can win
Our burden the Lord helps us lift

From the beginning the Lord was ordained
To die for what justice demands
Salvation from sin can now be obtained
By following Jesus' commands

We each can dwell with our Father above
As we follow the Lord's righteous course
His sacrifice shows a supreme act of love
Let us drink from this spring at it's source

The Savior has suffered these things for our sake
To redeem all mankind from the fall
Upon us his name we gladly will take
He offers his love unto all

We can all go where there's nothing unclean
Through Jesus alone this takes place
We can be saved from things evil and mean
To again see his loving face

The Savior had power to lay down his life
And take it up after its end
He asks us to flee contention and strife
And come home with him as a friend

He suffered temptations but gave them no heed
And lived life in pure innocence
He knows how to help in our hour of need
For all he has made recompense

The blood of the Lamb for our sake was shed
He gave his life freely for me
He prayed to our God as he suffered and bled
For help to endure agony

Because of the love that our dear Savior had
For the will of our Father and God
Our hearts fill with joy and are truly glad
For he finished the course that he trod

We can find peace through the powerful name
That broke bands at Gethsemane
We can be lifted up out of our shame
By the hope found upon Calvary

We must accept the Atonement he gave
Or face pure, strict justice alone
We all need the grace that's might to save
We deserve no mercy on our own

Our Lord took away the sharp sting found in death
He was the first of those who slept
We shall live again after losing life's breath
Joy comes to his children who’ve wept

The Savior invites all the world unto him
We'll be judged for the works we have done
That day will restore each joint and each limb
Through the power of God's perfect son

Those who are righteous will have so much joy
And praise the Lord eternally
His sacrifice saves each girl and each boy
That died in their pure infancy

So let us have faith in our dear Savior's call
And overcome evil today
Let's deliver his sweet invitation to all
To be baptized and walk in his way

We all can become truly born again
Receiving the spirit to guide
And this must take place in the hearts of all men
To be filled with his pure love inside

If you will repent he will receive you
Come feast on his love to the end
Trust in the Lord in all that you do
And his grace he freely will send

Partake of his love so exquisite and sweet
Drink deep of the doctrines he'll send
Some day we will kneel at our dear Savior's feet
Where our pains and our sorrows he'll mend

He knows all the trials we each face right now
Come cast on the Lord all your care
We all can be healed and he'll show us how
He atoned so that we could come there.

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