Poetry
Potpourri
by James E. Tate
Scripture-based Poems
Poems based
on Scripture are meaningful not only to the Christian reader but
to others as well. We can find many Bible verses that provide thoughts
and themes for our poetry by thinking in terms of Scripture-based
poems. Below, The Tongue has a subtitle, The Little Red
Devil Behind the Pearly Gates—the title of a sermon my minister
preached several years ago, and it seemed descriptive for my poem
based on James chapter three.
The
Tongue
The Little Red Devil Behind the Pearly Gates
by James E. Tate ©
Bits
in the mouth of a horse, change its course,
as does the rudder on a ship at sea.
Small things affect large things,
as little tongues affect you and me.
Though
small in size, it's no surprise,
the tongue sows seeds of trouble,
when it lies, then alibis,
And starts to speaking double,
Providing
lessons far reaching, in sowing and reaping –
when will we ever learn?
We must take it for granted, the seeds we have planted
are those on which we earn.
"The
tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things,
behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth." James 3:5
The book of
Proverbs is primarily poetry in its own right, and we can use the
verses as a launching pad for modern poetry. For example, a book
titled, Treasures and Truths – Poetry and Practical
Principles of Proverbs by W. C. Parkey, an imprint by Word
Aflame Press, captures the essence of Scripture in its nearly 300
pages. This thirteen-week literary work is a devotional study of
Proverbs paraphrased in rhymed verse. Further, it includes Precepts,
Prayer and Practice. Request it at your local book store or write
to W. C. Parkey, 2619 Sherry Lane, Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901.
I have attempted my own
rhymed verses for this article based on Proverbs Chapters 20 and
21 NKJV:
Wine
is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler.
Whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (20:1)
Drink
drives some to brawling
Having left their calling.
Leading them astray
Unwise, they will surely pay.
The
lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing. (20:4)
It's
too cold to plow
I'll get by somehow
They won't starve us
When comes the harvest.
The
righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after
him. (20:7)
In
his integrity
The righteous walk
His children are blessed
Clamoring to hear him talk.
There
is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are
a precious jewel. (20:15)
You
may have a wealth
Of rubies and gold
But knowledge is a jewel
Whether young or old.
The
glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men
is their gray head. (20:29)
Strength
is the glory
Of young men,
But to the aged
Gray hair is a friend.
The
plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone
who is hasty, surely to poverty. (21:5)
Diligent
work habits
Indeed to plenty lead,
But a life of negligence
To poverty and need.
The following
poem is from a fellow poet, Reason A. Poteet, who has written an
Ottava Rima poem. It is based on Scripture and is in the form of
a riddle. See if you can solve the riddle before she reveals the
answer.
Researching
The Riddle
Ottava
rima
Lost
sheep is rescued; the shepherd rejoices.
The woman stops looking when her coin is found.
The prodigal bemoans heeding wrong voices;
regret finds a penitent son homeward bound.
Ask – Seek – Knock. These are powerful choices
as writers Matthew and Luke clearly re-sound.
I propose you a riddle, hear and explore.
What when it's found is still hunted the more?
When
searching for anything worth searching for,
Ask the right questions as a plan you unfold.
How
do I seek? Which paths can I ignore?
Who can I trust? What is fraud? What is gold?
Where should I look? Dare I knock on heaven's door?
Seek with your heart, you will find but never hold
evidence that compels your life-long pursuit.
Knock often, discover true wisdom en route.
Thanks, Reason, for your
thoughtful and meaningful riddle.
Note to the
reader: no matter what your preference, secular or religious, when
you write poetry strive for meaningful messages.
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