Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin

Excellent

Hi, Dean,

Definitely, a popular and interesting topic that has been and continues to be tossed about in all arenas, for sure.

I certainly believe a day of atonement is coming--however, I can't say as I have clear shot in my head how it will come about.

Religious zealots tend to jump on the bandwagon, believing they are all seeing. I personally, don't think anyone truly knows when/how---yet something deep inside tells me (it) will happen.

Great poem with food for thought, indeed. You did your pastor a good deed on his challenge.

Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*:*)

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

Thanks for your thoughtful review, Jax. I do appreciate it very much. :}

~Dean

Comment from Leineco

Excellent

An interesting treatise. . .and I see you have even included a bit of "terror" (how "old" testament of you - LOL - and yes, all but the last two chapters are found first in assorted parts of the old testament) ;-). So how did your pastor like this change of focus?

I have to admit. . .not my cup of tea, but very well written :-)

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

Thanks for your thoughtful review, Lorraine, and my pastor claimed he was "blown away". Not your "cup of tea", you say? What, you don't like poetry about religious beliefs, or you don't like my poetry on religion, LOL? Anyhow, I do appreciate it very much. :}

~Dean

Comment from krys123

Excellent

Dean; And impressive proclamation and notification of your faith read into the words in this poem. Although this poem is impressively written in the prophetic idealism of the Bible your authors notes seem to question what I would be delighted at the end of times or when there is the rapture. But I have to agree with you because I feel I don't know what will happen when the rapture comes. Again your rhyming is neither forced nor strained and each word used in your rhyming pertains to the concept very well. The imagery you used is very descriptive and a essentially expressive throughout the poem. I'm curious what your Pastor has to report after reading your poem. Thanks for sharing and posting Dean and may the good Lord be with you always.
Alex

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

Thank you, Alex, my friend, for your kind, generous and thoughtful review. As always, it's appreciated. :}

~Dean

reply by krys123 on 05-Jan-2015

You are so sincerely welcome Dean

Comment from Dawn Munro

Excellent

Oh Dean, this is so very beautiful1 and once again, I'm all out of sixes. I've been reviewing like mad to try to catch up a little n=my friend - so sorry - this really deserves that rating! It truly is superb. !!!***************************!!!

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

Thank you, Dawn, and I don't think any of us writes simply to receive those all-elusive six star ratings, do we? If so, we shouldn't -- rather, that should never be the primary motivating factor for doing so. The fact that you enjoyed reading it is good enough for me.

Thank you! :}

~Dean

reply by Dawn Munro on 05-Jan-2015

Oh course we don't, but it's so hard to run out and not be able to show by the rating how much we think of the work! You're so gracious, though - AND so talented! :)

reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

As are you, my friend. :)

Thanks again. ~Dean

reply by Dawn Munro on 05-Jan-2015

Always a pleasure, Dean - and thank YOU.

Comment from tbacha58

Exceptional

Hello Dean, Happy New Year, your poem is a blessed one, and your comments are so nicely put as explaining a very important chapter in all of our lives. I truly enjoyed reading both, and pray that all of us would be included to rise up to Heaven when this history does take place.
You are amazing Dean, your writing always has very deep meanings. Bravo. Love Terry xoxo

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

Thanks so much, Terry, you are always so kind to me, and I wholeheartedly appreciate it! I'm so pleased that you enjoyed reading this one. I know it's a bit different from my usual poetry, LOL.

Big Hugs!

~Dean

Comment from GracieAnn

Excellent

Dean, I don't have to tell you how much I prefer these kind of writes. You are a paradox to me, to be honest. How does the reader decide who you are at the core?

With regard to the rapture, you know that Paul said to be absent from the body and present with the Lord is much more preferable, but he knew it wasn't yet time to die.

I am one of those weird believers, in the minority, who now believes in post-rapturist eschatology, after some years of being a pre-triber. I saw Left Behind recently and thought it had some merit to challenge people to examine their spiritual condition, though I did not agree with the time-frame.
I won't debate with anyone about it after 30 years of study. I know all the pre-trib arguments since I once used them myself for a few years, then I was convinced otherwise through study of the pertinent biblical passages and logical reasoning. Doesn't hurt to be familiar with all three eschatological positions.

Nice work. :0 GracieAnn

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

I have no core, GracieAnn, LOL. I can only say this; I am a very spiritual man who, through a terrifying out-of-body / near-death experience, began to question all aspects of that spirituality. That's when my writing truly took a turn for the dark and macabre...for the most part. What I saw there in that place where I was would make you question a few things you've heard as well. Trust me on this one.

I really appreciate your review, and this poem was based upon the topic of the sermon my pastor preached that night. He asked me to use it as a catalyst for inspiration, so I did. It's as simple as that. I would go to hell and back for Pastor Pride.

Thanks again!

~Dean

Comment from chasennov

Excellent

Triolet Contest Entry "Violet Triolet" This is an excellent poem you have created here, Dean. I'm not surprised your Pastor thought you could do better with a poem on your spiritual beliefs. He might be haunting you from now on. Well done.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

He very well might be, Chase. Thanks very much for the review. :] ~Dean

reply by chasennov on 06-Jan-2015

You are always most welcome, Dean.

Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Excellent

A great poem and a great suggestion by your pastor. I don't know what will happen in the future, so try to live each day the best I can and leave the rest to God. Thanks for sharing this, my friend~Debbie

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

Me too, Debbie. One day at a time.

Much obliged! :)

~Dean

Comment from Rdfrdmom2

Excellent

Dean:

I must admit that I would not mind if the Rapture came now;
however, I think more of the prophesies have to come true
before that will happen. Still, I try to remain ready so no matter
when Christ comes, I can return with Him.
thanks for sharing
I loved your presentation
Jan

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

I wouldn't mind a bit either, Jan. Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful review. :}

~Dean

Comment from l.raven

Exceptional

Dean, I love your poems of horror...but this is a masterpiece sweetie...really...your pastor must love it...your picture , the poem, the wording itself...amazing...so very well written Dean...Luff Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015

Thanks, Luff, and he claimed he was "blown away" by the poem. He certainly had a huge smile on his face as I took my seat, then read the poem before his sermon, which embarrassed the crap outta me, LOL!

I really appreciate the six stars and very kind review. It is always a pleasure to hear from you. :}

~Dean

reply by l.raven on 05-Jan-2015

you are so welcome Dean...loved it...Luff Linda xxoo