July, 2009 (First published on PoemHunter.com)
From the Stone Cut
We are the lithograph of God's Image -
Each a numbered edition
From the stone cut.
Some copies turn out faint,
Mere brush strokes on heavy matte -
Wisps of the eternal
Then gone too soon.
Others have depth,
And shadowy after-images
Where the artist rolled over and back,
Over and back,
Until satisfied that the ridges and trenches,
angles and curves
Of this bas-relief of God's Being
Are stamped into paper faithfully.
Some imprints are so deeply etched in skin and bones,
That even entrails and hearts
have been bruised.
These are the saints, the prophets -
The lamed-vavniks -
Who hold up all the world
On their shoulders.
We are the silkscreen of God's Image -
Our bodies, the bolt of silk;
Our blood, the ink pressed upon it;
Our hardships, the roller
That pushes color through the fabric.
The harder the life
The more the Image comes through!
What a fantastic way to describe how we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". In its way, it is a prayer. The last verse really sums this up so well. Great job!
"An easy life is not a victorious life..." clear images of the parts and processes of God's role, and our own, in growing spiritually. Fine write!
one of my favorites...
A breathtaking, thought provoking, superbly crafted poem.
This beautiful allegory to humanity is penned to perfection. Every image is carefully etched onto the page; every word is placed with care and skill. Your final couplet adds emotional depth to the poem. love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
i enjoyed every line excellent write
Such an original extended metaphor - I smiled to read each line.
What a wonderfully expressed and stunning poem this is, Lillian, beautifully phrased in every verse and painting a vivid picture of the very essence of humanity! Carl.
This is better than the Bible's version. Inspired and inspiring. God still works wonders in today';s world through such as you.