To Love Like A Poet Poem by Denis Martindale

If thou wouldst love like a poet, forsaking riches here,
Wouldst stay poor and fully know it, as poverty stays near,
And watch young darlings marry friends who smirk at thy demise,
Kiss goodbye as each young year ends before thy very eyes.

If poems are thy portion here, feast on them night and day,
Let rhymes and rhythms yet appear. Unbidden, let them stay.
For hearts and minds await to share what God must distribute,
In answer to the humble prayer of one who shares good fruit.

If thou wouldst pen thy poems still, with shaky hand grown old,
Then preach of Christ who climbed that hill. The greatest story ever told!
God must allow His sovereign grace! Forgiveness in Christ's Name!
Caressing then thy ancient face, to love thee, just the same!

If saints agree that thou didst well, true friends to meet above,
Abide in Heaven, not in Hell, and meet the King of Love!
Well done, good servant! Christ may say, then smile as thy tears flow.
Yea, weep, indeed, thy tears that day, that Jesus loves thee so.


Denis Martindale,14th June 2025.