Why Does My Faith...

I sang in the choir when I was young,

In surplice, ruff, and gown,

I bent my head to the cherubim

And cast my eyes to the ground,

I read your word in the Holy Book

And swore to be good and true

While living in fear of an Awe-ful God,

A life spent, looking for you.

 

My mind was full of heaven and hell

And the things that I shouldn’t do,

But the world seemed bent on a wayward course

All done in the name of You…

For ‘Christ Almighty’ I heard on lips

That shouldn’t have breathed their sin,

And ‘Jesus Christ’ is a dirty word…

But why does my faith grow thin?

 

The world has turned to greed and lust,

To hate, to me for mine,

And life is cheap on the empty streets

Where drugs are the bottom line,

Where children murder their parents

And the parents murder their young,

Where everyone has a mobile phone

But none with your number on.

 

It’s long since I tossed heaven and hell

To rot in a garbage bin

But still maintained my faith in you,

Your pain in an earthly skin;

I still believe in an afterlife,

And I know that you’ll see us in,

I’m closer to you than I’ve ever been

So why does my faith grow thin?

 

David Lewis Paget

 

Reviews

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

First time I read you with a spiritual theme, and yet it gets very real and true, that I find difficulty separating the poet from the poem. Subjectively viewed, I think Man in general, has vague perception of God, based on his human wisdom, but as he communicates more and reads the Book more, he gets a view of the Divine in a "rhema" way - an insight spiritually grasped by grace. It is experienced, not explained, and this dilemma is what the poem dwells upon. Your lines connect to many with the same questions and musings and I pray that all of you find Him. "If you seek Me, you will find Me, if you seek with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13) Excellent composition and as always, written in your outstanding signature style.

[Valentine]

Aww, This shows me another side of you. Deep write, I think most of us go through this when we age and disappointments come. Valentine

[Claire in VA]

I meandered through your titles this evening and chose this.
I'm happy to know that you have myriad topics and that God
is one. I admire your writing, and I am glad that your faith
remains through thick and 'thin.'
Claire in Virginia

[TrimarcoRansome]

An interesting view of religion, certainly true how the world about us wears faith thin if not eroding away...Interesting that you style has always been the same, I presume that is studying the craft to such levels as you did. Whereas I just wrote what was in my mind at the time.
So you always have been a great poet, David 72 pages of poems is some feat indeed but to write them all just as well is just incredible...You are the master of poetry here!

[Gray Witch]

Loved this...I always try to read the first posted work on this site - it is so telling, IMHO

I think we do all go through this type of questioning when we get to a certain point in our sojourn on this planet. Not many of us can express it as well as you do though ...

[Ed Fagan]

I am wondering at what pint in you life were you asking yourself to such an extent that you've written this. Why? I have always held a strong belief in God. However, I've recently been writing heavily in this manner. I was wondering if we all go though this at about the same point in life.

I respect this work.

[Heather]

beautiful, I am in awe of this write. It speaks to me on so many levels. Thank you!

[Tate Morgan]

I ask this every day and wonder why I cannot have blind faith But such is my lament . I cant get over it I ask if a man is injurred in the brain and loses half his worth. WHere did that part go if the soul is one thing how can it be split into two

[Myenigma]

really inspirational
"Where everyone has a mobile phone
But none with your number on."
Phenomenal!!!
We truly never thank anyone when we have it going on.

I really liked the ending too, remember that faith serves no purpose but to be tested. great write!