Comment from sgalletti

Excellent

Wow, Brooke! Simple deliver that packs a huge, big and interesting message. Easter is supposed to be the most uplifting day for Christians, and Catholics, like me. Yet this poem adds a bit of pessimism. It intrigued me a lot. And, you may be right! Jesus definitely needed more than a prayer to avoid crucifixion. But, wasn't his resurrection what it was all about? You obviously got me thinking with this one. Good luck in the contest. Sue

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Thanks so much, Sue - my point is really that some people think prayer is a substitute for action. They think they can just sit back and ask for what they want and need, and their prayers should be answered without their putting any effort into their own lives.
When my church worked on a habitat house in a block where several houses were being renovated, there was one church group who came out every Saturday to walk the block and pray. That was it. They never lifted a hammer or paint brush. Now, I appreciate the importance of prayer, but I'm pretty sure that if every group involved in transforming this block had just wandered up and down the street praying, the block would still be filled with dilapidated houses. My church got our hands dirty, and we prayed at the beginning and ending of each day, too. But we never prayed for the house to magically be rebuilt :-) Brooke

Comment from Rondeno

Exceptional

Clever, so clever! The classic Reformation-period argument, as to whether Good Works are necessary for salvation - but done with style, charm, elegance ... and merciful brevity!

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Michael, thank you so much, my generous friend :-) Brooke

Comment from Dawn Munro

Excellent

Oh NO! 'Tis not my Brooke - say it ain't so! (LOL) This is positively melancholy! (I hope you're just flexing the literary muscle again, and not really feeling so low!) But that proves just how convincing your beautiful poem is...sigh...

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Thank you, Dawn. The point was not to be melancholy. The point was to argue that one has to do something to make things happen, not just sit back and wait for good things to come because she prayed for stuff :-) Prayer and action are partners in my book :-) Brooke

Comment from Carole Rosa

Excellent

Brooke, No truer words were ever spoken. I often wonder if my prayers get through. I only wish there were phones in heaven! Your poetic words are perfect for a Faith driven contest. Carole

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Carole, thank you so much :-) Brooke

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

Ah-h-h-h-h..., perhaps it was indeed. This speaks of losing faith to me, of being trapped in a desperate situation, with no way out and no relief in sight. No lights at the end of that proverbial tunnel, if you'll allow the oft used phrase.

While the message it carried was a bit disheartening, in was well metered, rhymed and composed nonetheless. I happen to like the darker side of things, but most everyone realizes that fact by now.

Well done, Brooke, and best of luck to you in the contest.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Thank you, Dean. I never meant for the message to be disheartening. The message is one has to scatter the seeds - if someone really thinks praying for a garden is going to create flowers without putting in a little work himself, he is going to be sorely disappointed. I truly believe God has better things to do than answer prayers of wishful thinkers who put for no effort to make things better for themselves. :-) Brooke

reply by Dean Kuch on 21-Apr-2014

I would tend to agree, Brooke. We get out of something what we put into it. As I've so often stated, I'm terrible at interpretation, most times. I did enjoy the rather dark vibe I got from this one however, no matter its intended meaning.

Comment from angelface2

Excellent

Your words are so very true. We wish for something but don't have the faith that it is there. We indeed do need more faith in this world of sin and corruption. Miss Sally

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Miss Sally, thank you so much :-) Brooke

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

That is certainly the way we are.
Expecting the impossible something that
we can't have or find. If you don't
plant good seeds you will get weeds.
I love the last verse. We need faith. That
is the key! Good luck. Nancy

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Nancy, thank you so much :-) Brooke

Comment from Just2Write

Excellent

Having just watched The Ten Commandments this weekend, the image of Moses was on my mind as I read this. There's lots of parallels between his journey to free his people, and your verse.
He definitely needed more than prayer, and so did his people. Prayer is most effective when employed with action.

Strong ABCB rhyme scheme and excellent meter all combine to make this a strong submission for the faith contest, Brooke.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Thank you so much, Rose, for your insightful reading of this poem. :-) Brooke

Comment from Cumbrianlass

Excellent

Rolling Stones. You Can't Always Get What You Want. That's what came to mind as I read this, Brooke. It's also like wanting to win the lottery, but never buying a ticket.

I wonder how many people pray for that! :)

Wonderful choice of examples, so poetically represented, and a clever way to express faith.

I hope you do well in the contest!

Av

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

Comment from Andrewajgblue

Excellent

This is a great lesson stating you only get out what you put in, I love your easy rhyming style, and such good wording, I really enjoyed it ,good luck in the competition,
Andrew

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2014

Andrew, thank you so much :-) Brooke