Holiness of Sanctuary:

It is said God looks on the heart - maybe we should try to do the same -

Holiness of Sanctuary:

That visage revealed in a mirror

and your separate innermost part         

are semblance of a walnut shell

with its glorious cathedral heart.

Outer shell will age and tarnish

turning rich gold to dirty brown

but inside pristine walls remain 

unblemished as a bridal gown.

This is the holiness of sanctuary

a hidden heart’s vault for the King

kept not through vanity exercise

but by grace His presence brings.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

A nicely rhymed piece here that describes a basic spiritual truth. Although the exterior being is immediately visible, it is subject to the changes wrought by the physical world. and varies in appearance like a walnut shell. The Spirit within, however, remains pristine and unblemished. Thus we should cast our lot with that which does not change.

[carl]

thanks, much appreciate your read and review - your closing statement is "the heart of the matter" for sure

[Marie]

A superbly penned spiritual write. I love the comparison between a body and soul with a walnut shell and the fruit within! Wonderful analogy, Carl. I also love how you describe the decay of the outer shell while within the shell all remains pristine and unblemished. Sublime write, Carl. The poem spoke to me as I read. Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem and for sharing your spiritual wisdom also...

[carl]

thank you so much for the time to read and review and especially for your kind words, - religious or faith writing is not always well received and I thank you for willingness to see another's heart. -carl

[Marie]

Bless you, Carl... Most welcome always, dear poet...

[Jerry Ables]

Those are excellent and inspiring words. I enjoyed the read very much. His richest blessings to you and yours! :)

[carl]

Thank for the read and review, much appreciate the encouragement and words of affirmation - carl

[Jerry Ables]

:) You're very welcome! :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

So many, including Sylvia Plath as she expressed in her poem "Mirror" will look in the mirror
and see a reflection that makes them so unhappy.
And it is not because of a lack of outer beauty, it is rather that inside that is tainted. And they see that.
So well done and thoughtful I find this poem to be.
j.

[carl]

Thanks for the read and review. Interesting reversal the idea of outer beauty and the tainted inside, I'm sure that could just as easily occur. I do find it interesting when a beautiful person refers to themself as being unattractive, hadn't considered that it might be a reaction to what they know about their inside, just figured it was due to comparison of others they considered more beautiful. All in all though I do think we as humans are very prone to be enamored with exteriors in general. Thanks for making me think - carl

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful work, Carl. Powerful.

[carl]

thank you for read and the encouragement - carl

[tumi]

a lovely piece
we see things through
the inner heart

[carl]

thanks for the read and encouragement - carl

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is fantastic. I love the imagery it inspires. To be like a walnut shell; full of the glorious handiwork of God, hidden by a mundane exterior but nourishing the fruit at its core or in our case, the spirit bearing fruit. Yes, it's all about the grace. Great write.

[carl]

Thank you sir, and a special thanks for encouraging me to use the walnut image - you input is always more than golden.