Comment from crybry67

Exceptional

Your poetry is always so well written, and this is no exception. You use your words beautifully to touch others for Jesus, and you do it very effectively. I always know before I read it I'm really going to enjoy it, and I'm never disappointed. I really love the last verse. Thank you for inspiring and uplifting us. Merry CHRISTmas.... Christy

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2016

Thanks so much Christy, for this super review, and very encouraging comments, blessings, Roy

Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

You always write such upbeat faithful verses that I was a little taken aback by the dark beginning of this one. It was so unexpected, but you do dark well. It was a wonderful contrast to the light of faith that followed.

Excellent abab rhyming in each stanza and a steady meter add to your message.

Excellent declaration of your faith.

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2016

Thanks so much for this excellent review, and super comments, blessings, Roy

Comment from mbroyles2

Excellent

I truly enjoyed this poem.
The rhymes are just fantastic.
"when death's cold claw beats fate's black drum. "
Terrific imagery here.
"we're all just pawns in life's dark race;
our pride can't save from self's disgrace."
Excellent.
As always a joy reading your work!
Michael

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2016

Thanks so much Michael, for this excellent review, and super comments, blessings, Roy

Comment from RGstar

Excellent

You are right...even a large part of religion or believers owe their belief to looming or the experience of near death situation...unless you are schooled from young...or even a late believer.

Death seems to have its hands into everything that influences when it should be more of life.
Good write.
My best wishes.
RG

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2016

Thanks so much RG, for this excellent review, and super comments, blessings, Roy

Comment from bob cullen

Excellent

Roy, I've been away for a while.
Fortunately, some things don't change. And one of those unchangables is good poetry from the pen of Mr. Owens.
Loved this. The rhyme and the message are superb.
After reading this, I'm so glad I came back to Fanstory today.

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2016

Welcome back Bob, and thank you for the marvellous review and comments, blessings Roy

Comment from Phyllis Stewart

Excellent

Beautiful poem, as only you can write them, Roy.

Found two errors in punctuation:

cold claw, beats fate's black drum <-- Remove comma.

If God be true then all pride's lies- <-- Remove hyphen/dash.
are washed away

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2016

Thanks so much Phyllis, for this excellent review, and super comments, and suggestions, blessings, Roy

Comment from Just2Write

Excellent

We all see life through a dark piece of glass. It is obly in death that we see clearly. Your poem reminded me of 13th Corinthians. Sometimes we depair but there is always hope and light. Excellent poetry, Roy.

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2016

Thanks so much Rose, for this excellent review, and super comments, blessings, Roy

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

A virtual 6, my friend. This speaks volumes and the authors notes are as uplifting as your poem. I always love to read your notes at the end of your poems. They say such a lot. It's true, when one is near death, it's the rare few who don't call on God to help them, I do believe everyone believes in God, even those who say they don't. (Why would they say that?)This is another wonderful poem, dear Roy, and a superb one for the Faith contest. Well done and good luck! :) Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2016

Thanks so much Sandra for this excellent review, and super comments, and the virtual six, blessings, Roy

Comment from Pantygynt

Excellent

In 1956 when we went off to war with the Egyptians, and in 1982 when out forces went off to the Falklands all the churches became as full or fuller than at Christmas or Easter. Doctor Samuel Johnson remarked "Depend upon it, Sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully." So when the nation goes to way suddenly and for the same reason it believes in divine salvation.

Funny that. Death's trench must be popular with churchmen I think. Good poem.

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2016

Thanks so much Jim, for this excellent review, and super comments, blessings, Roy

Comment from MissMerri

Excellent

Another wise and wonderful poem Roy. It speaks to us of despair and hope and the saving power of Jesus. You always touch my heart with your humble expressions of utter dependence on God. I thought this verse was especially beautiful and poetic:
"Yes, deep within I feel pride's quill
write epitaphs upon my will;
but somewhere deep I feel God's kiss,
to brush heart's brow...salvation's bliss."

Very beautiful poem, and richly meaningful. I think it is a wonderful entry in the Faith contest. It should do well.

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2016

Thanks so much Adonna, for this excellent review, and super comments, and great encouragement, blessings, Roy