Stop Then to Consider, A Templar's Prayer

Stop then to consider,

and stand along the shore,

make what you might of

man's many unintended voyages,

of all the ways in which you've sailed

past the harbors of your ancient obligations.

Drop anchor, draw down the lamp's late hour,

and sound the depths that shade the soul from the morning

abetment to keep to the chosen covenant.

Give a glance, a moment's breath, take a knee

before asking what may I be called upon this day

to answer? And if,

satisfied? Or whether

you've booked passage on a voyage ill-considered,

called at the port of no redemption.

If only our hearts could arouse our minds

to heights more noble than the spits of Hades.

If only the black thoughts of mortal gain

were rended shut by some solemn choice

to render onto Him our sacred chord of fealty.

If only our last hour found no favor when stacked against

the life's long journey, save its being the denouement

to the righteous wave one should have always sailed.

When the shadow shrouds fall across your soul,

what pray you, shall you answer?

If only, if only, if only...

Ken e Bujold

Reviews

[Gee]

Hopefully not to many ifs as I near my final breath. I've done many a daft thing but never in malice, I've pained the hearts of more than a few women but never with intent to harm, I've been more clown than king but have always loved those close and have at times given more than I had.
Enjoyed your words Ken.
Hope you are well :)

[Ken e Bujold]

very good here Gee, settling into autumn. Hope all is well with you as well friend

[softlyfall]

Knights templar- Poverty, chastity and obedience are difficult oaths to maintain, even for the pious. Frankly impossible for most.
I think the only sins that "should" (with should being a tricky, loaded word) cause consternation in our end days are those that were done, like Gee said, with malice aforethought. Deliberately hurting others or earth or life itself is wrong in any religion. But most other mistakes are simply being human- unwanted pregnancy, temper outbursts, carelessness that causes distress etc.
So, all that being said-
Really fabulous poem. This line is so good I want to steal it
If only our hearts could arouse our minds
to heights more noble
It has a very Shakespearean quality, aka a deathbed soliloquy

[Ken e Bujold]

the whole poem is a death bed soliloquy. More Pope than Willy though. But I love the compliment all the same.

[Betty Hermelee]

It seems to me that one should pray for one's sins; if only.... says to me that one is not perfect and sometimes faults..."If only one's hearts could arouse our minds"....perhaps one would not be in pain...before the end comes perhaps all the questions to the "ifs" will be answered.... I hope in my life the "if only'" will be answered... and if I've committed sins, I will have repented first.....hopefully there will be no faults...
strong write Ken...
Best, B

[Ken e Bujold]

thank you for the very well considered review Betty
take care
ken

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Ken
Best, B