Cherish The Choice! Poem by Denis Martindale

Like each poet, I cherish the infinity of choice,
the tickling to-and-fro sensation of creating ideas,
sifting through unspoken dreams and themes,
fashioning exquisite memories in the minds of others,
regardless of the hours thinking, formulating,
editing into a final compression of expression,
then the caring and the sharing, hoping for a miracle,
that time of collective community celebration!

And could it be, that we, of all the Earth,
were chosen with a divine purpose,
cherished, revered, esteemed and loved,
guided towards the ultimate perfection,
that of infinite expression, beyond this mortal realm?

Are we to become the poets of Paradise,
the future heralds of Heaven?

And if not so, then will we languish with the lost,
doomed for eternity, cast out, despite our devotions?

Let that not be, if grace permits, before our parting,
for if we were blessed, did we not strive to bless,
to care and to share, to pour out pleasures?

And did we not forego the seasons our own lives,
with the passing of our youth, into old age,
still writing and sweetening the pot of life itself?

And did we not forsake temptations great and small,
just to pen a poem, start a story, create a character?
And was that time well spent, all those hours and pages?

If at life's end, judgment falls on those of us,
who sought to save others, what hope for Mankind?
For they sought nothing, not even their own pardon!

Therefore, I pray, that God will cherish the choice,
just as we have cherished each chosen word
and valued the vessel that each brings to bear,
the content of collected words, the flurry of phrases,
the effervescent and fluorescent lava flow
that is the quickening and the awakening
of titanic truths and defiant dreams unfolding,
with visions before our mortal eyes, secrets revealed,
prophetic utterings captured and written down,
whether on parchment or the finest paper at hand,
whether scrawled upon prison walls, held fast,
declaring each displayed dramatic portrayal,
meant to create human emotions leading to responses,
in the dearest hopes for a better world!

Consider us with the most tender compassion,
some of us were meant to outshine the sun,
shame the moon with our brightness and holiness,
yet we fell from grace during our loneliness,
wandered like sheep across the grassless land,
denied still waters of refreshment, alone...

And if there is no merit in such deprivations,
yet God is acclaimed for His mercy, even so,
that is Your choice and may we cherish the choice,
else what purpose may we serve beyond this life,
stretching forth beyond this mortal realm?


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.