Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Thank you for so eloquently sharing your "faith" in perfect iambic meter. That alone should win you points in the contest! As for your objections to religions, tarot cards etc. I can only agree. For me belief in God is that of a relationship with Jesus, the only of all religions' deities who actually became one of His creatures and fulfilled all the required rules so that all we need to do is believe. Other religions insist on following a lot of rules to get right with God. So if any of your friends enjoying the full moon around a cozy campfire still try to convince you, it's out of love for you. Unfortunately, the organized churches whose "blokes" don't wear "dresses" anymore (funny!) have changed the love and grace of God into oppressive rules and squabble over power.

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Sep-2023

Thanks, Helen. I think "dresses" is entirely appropriate - I mean don't the naughty ones get "defrocked"?

Thanks for a fun review :) Craig

reply by lyenochka on 25-Sep-2023

Lol. That's true!

Comment from K.L. Rockquemore

Excellent

A provocative verse you have penned and a fantastic contest entry that has my vote.

I love the theme you're exploring here.

Faith is personal and independent not a generational cloak.

To each is own...
live life the way you want to live it...

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

Absolutely! Thanks for the kind and thoughtful review :)

reply by K.L. Rockquemore on 25-Sep-2023

My pleasure.

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Exceptional

There are so many stories of 'the beginning' each culture has their own legends handed down and some are interesting to hear. I'm on the fence with traditional religion though, when Tony died it would have been a great comfort to feel we would be together again. So says her who writes to him each night. Anyway, great poem Craig. You portrayed your thoughts without offence to anyone.
Cheers
Valda

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

It's true, Valda. So why should one be believed over another? I don't find any more plausible than the rest. If you write to Tony every night, then you are together, in love :) Thanks for the lovely comments and the delightful rating. Craig.

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Excellent

If you offer your opinion, it shouldn't be seen as a battle cry against anyone else's beliefs. You get to view your life your way; no one should take offense by that.

The musician in me just LOVED how this piece flowed with absolutely FLAWLESS meter and words that were appropos and gorgeous to hear (I always recite poetry out loud), all with a rhyming scheme that was never, even once, forced.

This is exceptional work, you little heathen. KIDDING!!! KIDDING!!! I'm so just teasing you!!! XOXOXOX

I hope this does really well in the contest. I'll keep my eye out for it.

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

So glad you see it that way, Rachelle (concerning opinions, that is). Not everybody does. My heathen heart thanks you for the lovely review ;-)

reply by Rachelle Allen on 24-Sep-2023

Hahahaha. And my heathen heart says, "you're welcome." xo

Comment from dragonpoet

Excellent

Hi Craig,
I take no offense. I think people have a right to believe or not believe what they want. Sometime in life people change their beliefs. Atheists become Christians, Christians become Buddhist or Jewish and so on. You do include Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Hindu/Buddhist gods. You are right about the beauty and destructive power of nature.
Just in case you are wondering why I say Roman, Apollo is both Greek and Roman.
Keep writing and stay healthy
Good luck in the contest.
Have a nice evening
Joan

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

Thanks very much, Joan. I'll try to do both (stay healthy & keep writing). Hope you do the same :) Craig

reply by dragonpoet on 24-Sep-2023

Don't mention it, Craig. I do every day.
Joan

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Craig, I see you as being quite pragmatic. After reading this poem, which I really liked, I don't perceive you as a specifically religious person. I find you view rather refreshing. I'm a non believer whatever that means. We're here and then we're no more. To me it's simple as that. In between we endeavour to make our mark. Now I do have a weak spot with the Nordic Gods.Lol, especially Thor. Every time I hear a clap I say out loud: ' oh he's angry again. Here goes his hammer' I just can't help it. Totally pagan, so help me! Ulla:))) oh, good luck with a lovely poem. I got carried away.

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

You sure it's got nothing to do with Chris Hemsworth, Ulla? ;-)

Thanks for the kind words and good luck wishes :)

Craig

Comment from Annmuma

Exceptional

Excellent contest contender from the illustration through every word. The voice flows easily from stanza to stanza and the message is clearly shared without any condemnation of other views.

Religion has been the source of so much hate and sorrow and death. I consider myself to be a spiritual person and this poem appeals to me on many levels. Good luck in the contest. ann

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

Thanks so much, Ann, for the wonderful rating and the thoughtful comments. Both are very much appreciated. Have a great week! Craig.

Comment from Lisasview

Excellent

Interesting thoughts on beliefs...and, interesting that you should post a poem on the contest Faith.
Reading through your poem i find that I agree with your words.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts,
Lisasiew

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

Thanks, Lisa. I know, I'm a glutton for punishment :) Craig

reply by Lisasview on 24-Sep-2023

Are you??
Lisa

reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

Not really. Mostly people are nice, even if you take a different view. Not always :)

Comment from Sanku

Excellent

Yes I read the whole thing.
If you are religious you do what you are told to do .But if you are spiritual you do what you think is right...being spiritual means accepting a force beyond us .
I wish more people read this and feel like this. Religion has caused a lot of blood shed right thro history
I liked the sixth and the seventh stanza very much.

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

Thanks for the positive comments, Sanku. I kind of liked writing verse 8, as it focuses solely on the positive. Much appreciated, Craig

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Exceptional

This is superb! A sincere and honest perspective which, of course, you are absolutely justified to own. Your verse is engaging from the very start, not least because you clearly have the confidence and courage to speak as you find. It is fluently composed and compellingly argued. You touch on nature's ambivalence which is quite true as there are things that go on in our world that are beyond our understanding although we can still admire its beauty and even worship it. This distillation here is a thought-provoking, relatable and refreshing joy to read. Thank you and good luck, Craig! Debbie

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023

Thanks for the wonderful review, Debbie. Your remark about speaking our own mind reminds me of a FB meme I saw. It says "Stop trying to please other people - have you seen other people? They are awful!" Of course, it's a joke, but the advice offered is sound, I think. Again, most grateful for the very positive response! Craig