Comment from MissMerri

Excellent

This is a beautiful poem, sweetly telling in such an honest way how you feel when a loved one passes. I found the writing lovely and straightforward, intelligent and hauntingly sad. I do understand where you are coming from, and that saddens me too, because I feel you have stopped a tad short of the whole story, but I'm confident you will get there because your heart is still open. Love the word vespering! Thanks for sharing your gifts.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2018

---

reply by the author on 04-Jul-2018

Hi MM,

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to share your very kind comments. I long since stopped believing I knew the "whole story". Over time, I've come to the opinion that those who know "the truth" with certainty are inevitably wrong. So the whole story isn't mine to share, only the parts I know :) Most appreciated, Craig

reply by MissMerri on 05-Jul-2018

And I recognize I do not know the whole story either, but feel so comfortable knowing the Author. I believe He can be trusted to reveal the truth as I need to know it. That is comforting. I don?t need to figure it out, explain anything, or worry about it. I can simply rest.

Comment from --Turtle.

Exceptional

I've been avoiding reading through this poem... as I feared getting all choked up. Nice job with this, great flow and heartfelt. I don't have much time to get into the details, but I figured to let you know I read, I enjoyed...

Really nicely penned.

 Comment Written 07-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 07-Jun-2018

Thanks so much for the wonderful comment and the stellar rating, Turtle - I appreciate your continued support more than I can say. Cheers, Craig

Comment from Dawn Munro

Exceptional

Hi, Craig - I have been off line most of the week, but I'm glad I didn't miss this one. Here's my review of your perfect poem's content: (I know - but technical merit is flawless anyway...)

Regarding Rapture
by Dawn

Well, friend, I must admit your poem moves;
its sadness, grief I know, and all too well.
But I believe, as friend, that it behooves
me tell you I am sure there is no hell
save one here on this earth, where Satan reigns.
Just read that Book again, Craig, it explains.

I'll take a leap of faith, say one more thing -
when hearts are pure, I trust that thoughts are too.
To hear the bells of heaven sweetly ring,
upon our deathbeds, we will live anew
when we believe in Christ, the Son of Man.
Pure thoughts and heart are surely heaven's plan.

It's in God's image we were formed from dust,
and we'll return to Him, if we just trust.
The universe is full of mystery -
how did a baby ever come to be?
As strange as this might sound, I'm sure our brains
store love forever, and that love remains...

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 04-Jun-2018

What a perfectly rhymed and metered poetic response, Dawn - thank you, it was a joy to read. And, of course, the kinds words and shiny stars are most appreciated as well. I was starting to worry about you, not having seen anything from you in a few days; glad to hear from you again. Do you have a note from the teacher? ;-) Most grateful, as always. Craig

reply by Dawn Munro on 04-Jun-2018

No note from the teacher. He's still locked in the supply closet. :))
Very much my pleasure, Craig. In fact, I posted this one and I'm adding it to my collection, so a big thank you is due to you for inspiring it!

Comment from Mustang Patty

Excellent

Hi, Craig;

This poem was very heartfelt, and I was reminded that many religions were formed to give comfort to societies over time. I can remember those early classes when I was in my early twenties. I became confused and wondered about the existence of God.

But then, I had my first child. Witnessing the creation of this beautiful being who only existed because two tiny things combined in my body and somehow grew into a person...well, how else could you explain it?

Your use of the word, 'vespering' in reference to the journey of a soul was apt. All good cowboys go off into the sunset,

~patty~

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 04-Jun-2018

How else could you explain it? Biology! ;-)

I know, I know...

Every person decides what makes sense to them and what doesn't. I just write things as I see them, that's what this "self-expression" thing is about, I think.

Most appreciated, as always :)

Craig

Comment from Joy Graham

Excellent

You got me with this one, Craig. I lost my kitty a few days ago. The vet said he was old and it was his time. It doesn't get any easier. I'd be a blubbering mess on a farm. Good use of your word for the day. This one tugs on my heart strings.

Joy xx

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Jun-2018

I'm very sorry to hear about your kitty, Joy. I'm sure he would have enjoyed the time he spent with you. Many thanks for the kind words - Craig

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem. Our bodies are only a vessel for the soul. When our bodies die it turn to dust and there is no live in that bones again but the soul lives forever and returns to God when its vessel died. Now there are one of two places our souls can go either heaven where God is or hell where the devil waits at the pits of fire, depending on who we served while we had the chance when we had a vessel to take us either to worship God or enjoy an evening at the bar drinking and have great fun with friends. I do not try to convince you of anything but it is my intention to tell about what I know is right.

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Jun-2018

Thanks very much for reviewing, and for sharing your thoughts, Sandra. Much appreciated - Craig

Comment from Gloria ....

Exceptional

Aw, they are so cute. You know the way to get everyone going is to post a picture of your and Jayne's cute lil animals. What a huge family you have. Yikes.

A fine poem to go along with the pic too.

Excellent and many thanks for sharing. :)

Gloria

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Jun-2018

Yep, a lot of mouths to feed lol And with the changing weather, we are doing that almost year round now. Many thanks for the lovely comments and wonderful stars, Gloria. Craig

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Craig, This is a very well written poem you have penned and introduced us to yet another new word for me. Death is never easy in my eyes. When I love I do love from the heart and it does and will hurt. Thanks for sharing my friend! Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Jun-2018

Thanks very much, Teri. I appreciate the very kind words - Craig

reply by Teri7 on 05-Jun-2018

you are so welcome Craig! I hope you have a great Tuesday!

Comment from Sugarray77

Excellent

We get a treat from your book again. Even though this write is melancholy, you have used it to teach us a new word. Thank you. May your numerous friends be blessed by you!!

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Jun-2018

Thanks very much for the very kind words. I think I'm far more blessed by them than they are by me. Much appreciated, Craig

Comment from RFL

Excellent

I don't which I loved more, your poem or the mother child animal picture. I am a lover of both. Your words are touching and considered. You drew me in. Isn't that what a poet wants to do? Best to you, Rona

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 03-Jun-2018

Many thanks, Rona, for the lovely comments. Yes, I think it's every poet's wish that others feel what they write, so I'm most grateful. All the best, Craig