A Potpourri of Poetic Curiosities
Viewing comments for Chapter 34 "The ransom"A collection of poems showcasing unusual words
14 total reviews
Comment from Dawn Munro
Oh, now I wish we were neighbors, you and I, so we could sit out on the porch one Sunday and have us a good, old chin wag about spirituality. That's what your extremely clever tanka says to me/inspires, so I'll sum up with this: "...Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth, as it is in Heaven..."
I struggled with this for a long time (and still struggle over the horrors in this World) - were we praying for the End? (!!!)
No. We are praying for Godliness to spread and take over (love) - that is MY belief. We are born into a sin-filled world, but when we have joy, nothing can take it from us, and it is the perception that governs our lives.
(I hope I haven't offended by spouting off my own, personal beliefs... Have you read all of Prissy's Corner? I'll look up the one that talks about joy and sadness...)
BTW - I want that book! (*smile*) What a wonderful Christmas present!
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2018
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Oh, now I wish we were neighbors, you and I, so we could sit out on the porch one Sunday and have us a good, old chin wag about spirituality. That's what your extremely clever tanka says to me/inspires, so I'll sum up with this: "...Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth, as it is in Heaven..."
I struggled with this for a long time (and still struggle over the horrors in this World) - were we praying for the End? (!!!)
No. We are praying for Godliness to spread and take over (love) - that is MY belief. We are born into a sin-filled world, but when we have joy, nothing can take it from us, and it is the perception that governs our lives.
(I hope I haven't offended by spouting off my own, personal beliefs... Have you read all of Prissy's Corner? I'll look up the one that talks about joy and sadness...)
BTW - I want that book! (*smile*) What a wonderful Christmas present!
Comment Written 04-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2018
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I think I would greatly enjoy a chat on the porch. You certainly haven't offended me by your comments (I can't speak for anyone else). What is creative writing / poetry, if not the opportunity to express our views and perspectives on things - whatever they might be? How can anyone have a problem with that? And, if I do so, and invite people to comment on what I've written, how can I object to them expressing their opinion in return? Too many people these days make a virtue out of being offended.
Concerning Prissy's comments about Pastor Doug's sermon (this leaves me wondering if parishioners occasionally hear mews from the pews, but I digress), I'll make a brief comment.
I haven't led a "charmed" or a "blessed" life. On the other hand, compared to many people I've suffered little, and had not a great deal of cause to feel deeply sad. However, if I was one of the many who have had such misfortune, would I find my personal suffering or hardship more tolerable, would I feel "joy", simply because I knew it was all part of some unknown "plan" of something bigger than me? I don't imagine I would. Unfathomable as it may be, I think my response in Job's position would have been somewhat different.
Well, I've enjoyed our virtual chin-wag (lol). And I hope you don't mind me responding the way I have.
Cheers,
Craig
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I don't mind you responding the way you have in the least! In fact, I enjoyed it, and you've given me another opening - did you READ what Prissy wrote about Pastor Doug's claim, you!!! (LOL) JOY is NOT happiness - it is contentment - the ability to always keep coming back from whatever sorrow life throws at us (and believe me, I understand the concept fully - I have had many, many times in life when I felt nothing but pain (emotional and physical) - still do, and the thing is, when we ARE in pain, it IS nigh on impossible to focus on anything else. That's where prayer/meditation comes in, but even that, sometimes, can't help - I hear you. BUT... (and here's where the rubber meets the road-sorry - I love cliches - lol), that is the whole lesson about joy that my pastor was trying to impart. When we have faith, we bounce back eventually because we KNOW (not 'wonder') that we are "in" this world, but not "of" it - we came from someplace, and in the blink of an eye, we will be returning to it... ('life is short', yes?) Think about something that is said all the time - God is love. Now reverse it... Yes? That's my belief, anyway - "the Rapture" is nothing more than returning to where we started out, and it is more real than life itself!
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Yes, I did read it - I even understood it! I just didn't buy it ;-)
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Phooey. (lol) My cat is pretty smart. (LOL)
Comment from Joy Graham
I have not heard of that word before. You are educating your readers with all these new words :) Don't stoo now. Keep them coming.
This is a nice tanka poem. The little I know of this poetry form seems to be present and accounted for. Lines one, two, and three work well as a mini haiku-ish section. Line three works as a fine pivot line that joins the first three lines with the last three lines together and also works well when the poem is split in two.
Best wishes in the comtest.
Joy xx
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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I have not heard of that word before. You are educating your readers with all these new words :) Don't stoo now. Keep them coming.
This is a nice tanka poem. The little I know of this poetry form seems to be present and accounted for. Lines one, two, and three work well as a mini haiku-ish section. Line three works as a fine pivot line that joins the first three lines with the last three lines together and also works well when the poem is split in two.
Best wishes in the comtest.
Joy xx
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Phew. I'm not overly familiar with the form itself (this might be my first one, I think), so I'm glad you find it in conformance to the "rules" :) Many thanks, Joy - Craig
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Oh I don't know nearly enough about the rules. Don't look at me for any sort of smarts lol!
Comment from ameen786
Thought provoking tanka; I personally believe that one has nothing to worry about the hereafter in terms of 'luition'(thanks for the explanation in your notes)as ransom itself could be termed bribery. Good luck!
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Thought provoking tanka; I personally believe that one has nothing to worry about the hereafter in terms of 'luition'(thanks for the explanation in your notes)as ransom itself could be termed bribery. Good luck!
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Thanks for the thoughtful review. I also believe there is nothing to fear in the hereafter. Or, I could have just said "there is nothing in the hereafter". Cheers, Craig
Comment from Gloria ....
This is a terrific tanka, Craig. The wonder of the universe is awesome. But we humanoids seem to have some difficulty enjoying and preserving the Utopia that is here with a ransom for the promised land. In the meantime carry on with some outrageously bad behaviour here.
Anyway wonderful work as always from your quarter. Looking forward to tonight's new word. :)
Gloria
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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This is a terrific tanka, Craig. The wonder of the universe is awesome. But we humanoids seem to have some difficulty enjoying and preserving the Utopia that is here with a ransom for the promised land. In the meantime carry on with some outrageously bad behaviour here.
Anyway wonderful work as always from your quarter. Looking forward to tonight's new word. :)
Gloria
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Thanks so much, Gloria. It applies on both an individual level, and, as you point out, a collective one. Most grateful for the kind and thoughtful review. Craig
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
IN for a penny, out for a pound, how can we talk of immortality and just what it will cost us when we are so flippent with what we have now? We have to realize what we are losing now. This is very well thought
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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IN for a penny, out for a pound, how can we talk of immortality and just what it will cost us when we are so flippent with what we have now? We have to realize what we are losing now. This is very well thought
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Thanks so much, Barb, for the kind words. Glad you found value in the concept :) Cheers, Craig
Comment from --Turtle.
The conundrums of belief.
A penny now, for a pound later; or all you have for fool's gold?
Nice job with this poem, Craig. I believe this is a strong use of the Tanka form... beyond the syllables and lines, there's a mid-poem pivot point. Where reading the middle line supports above or below. Belief demanding on it's own line then works well with a shift from question, to answer/i.e a pondering below of the question above. The lean of skepticism shows in the sense that something of worth is being dangled beyond reach for the common person.
Who but kings can pay a king's ransom?
Yet belief seems to reason, if you want something important, you have to really pay for it. Hence what would one pay for life but life itself? Some would consider the misery of mortal life simply the penny at the bottom of the pocket compared to what handing that penny over might purchase. A more pragmatic eye would see collectors in a different light. Ransomers who never have to hand over the goods, only promise it shall be done.
The mix/ emphasis of each line in this poem individually in relation to the enjambment of complete, and well-punctuated, thoughts added dynamics to the effects.
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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The conundrums of belief.
A penny now, for a pound later; or all you have for fool's gold?
Nice job with this poem, Craig. I believe this is a strong use of the Tanka form... beyond the syllables and lines, there's a mid-poem pivot point. Where reading the middle line supports above or below. Belief demanding on it's own line then works well with a shift from question, to answer/i.e a pondering below of the question above. The lean of skepticism shows in the sense that something of worth is being dangled beyond reach for the common person.
Who but kings can pay a king's ransom?
Yet belief seems to reason, if you want something important, you have to really pay for it. Hence what would one pay for life but life itself? Some would consider the misery of mortal life simply the penny at the bottom of the pocket compared to what handing that penny over might purchase. A more pragmatic eye would see collectors in a different light. Ransomers who never have to hand over the goods, only promise it shall be done.
The mix/ emphasis of each line in this poem individually in relation to the enjambment of complete, and well-punctuated, thoughts added dynamics to the effects.
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Agreed, Turtle. Belief does seem to tell us that. Yet when we look around, is that what we see? Your comments in the second last sentence made me think "the ultimate insurance policy". Many thanks for the wonderful comments, the insightful analysis, and the lovely stars. I'm more grateful than you know. Cheers, Craig
Comment from Mustang Patty
Hi, Craig;
Thank you for sharing your entry in the Tanka poetry contest. We do pay a price for our immortality - belief in Christ. Such a small thing to live forever - don't you think?
Good luck in the contest,
~patty~
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Hi, Craig;
Thank you for sharing your entry in the Tanka poetry contest. We do pay a price for our immortality - belief in Christ. Such a small thing to live forever - don't you think?
Good luck in the contest,
~patty~
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Some would say we pay a lot more than that Patty, and living forever doesn't sound like all it's cracked up to be. I think we should concern ourselves with the one life we know with absolute certainty we'll get. Many thanks for reviewing :) Craig
Comment from frierajac
The meaning of this seems inherent in the word' luition' which sounds like 'in lieu
of something... It makes an interesting hypothesis. Payment for a future life for this one. Maybe yes if it means life of a species.
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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The meaning of this seems inherent in the word' luition' which sounds like 'in lieu
of something... It makes an interesting hypothesis. Payment for a future life for this one. Maybe yes if it means life of a species.
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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The species take is an interesting one, although personally I'd be more inclined to view that as ransoming the future to pay for present indulgences. Many thanks for the thoughtful review. Craig
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That is what I meant.
Comment from bichonfrisegirl
Hi Craig. I totally agree. Personally I believe that we should be our very best and do our very best in our present life. One shouldn't use the excuse that there might be another life beyond this one, for misbehaving ("immorality").
This is an original premise for a write. Your tanka poem sends a good message, and syllable count for each line is spot on. I like the artwork that you chose to accompany your poem. It doesn't show heaven or God, but rather a snippet of the universe, depicting that we are but a speck in the vastness of everything, and who knows what another life would entail.
Luition is a new word for this reader. I'll try to remember it. Good luck in the contest. ~~ Connie
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Hi Craig. I totally agree. Personally I believe that we should be our very best and do our very best in our present life. One shouldn't use the excuse that there might be another life beyond this one, for misbehaving ("immorality").
This is an original premise for a write. Your tanka poem sends a good message, and syllable count for each line is spot on. I like the artwork that you chose to accompany your poem. It doesn't show heaven or God, but rather a snippet of the universe, depicting that we are but a speck in the vastness of everything, and who knows what another life would entail.
Luition is a new word for this reader. I'll try to remember it. Good luck in the contest. ~~ Connie
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Thanks very much for the thoughtful review, Connie. Funny you should mention the picture. I did entertain the idea of a picture of the pearly gates, but an image of M81 is what I went with, for the very reason you mentioned. Much appreciated - Craig
Comment from emptypage
I really, really needed to read this today, CD. I'm struggling to not feel like a traitor for not believing certain things. No help in most spiritual type poems here, but your... Thanks.
What the Hell is "luition?"
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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I really, really needed to read this today, CD. I'm struggling to not feel like a traitor for not believing certain things. No help in most spiritual type poems here, but your... Thanks.
What the Hell is "luition?"
Comment Written 03-Feb-2018
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2018
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Luition means "payment of a ransom" - see author notes. Glad my little poem helped someone, Usually I just get eye rolls, or worse. There's a word for believing things that don't make sense to you, and it starts with "f"... Many thanks for reviewing :)
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Thanks for the definition of luition. I looked everywhere and couldn't find the meaning.