The Corinthians Trilogy 1: Faith

A meditation on faith

Faith needs no scales, no yardsticks

Nor containers,

For it sees beyond the changing shapes

And knows they mirror one,

Which alters not, which falters not,

Which mind cannot conceive.

Faith sees plenty in emptiness,

Hears symphonies in silence,

And looks upon the gates of death

As doors to other rooms.

Outside faith lies resignation,

A stepping slowly backward toward

The night,

A groove worn deep by disappointment,

Which will not know divergence.

Choose faith, despite appearances,

Choose faith when the lights burn

Low,

Choose faith for the sake of all

That matters, for faith is life.

Author's Note

The 13th chapter of First Corinthians is to me one of the greatest poems ever written.

Reviews

[Cherrie Palmer]

Excellent, we do need to be reminded to choose faith, and make it part of each new day.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. You're right. We must keep the faith in these challenging times.

[Fran Marie]

so true this poem..faith is everything ..especially when times are hard..I always try to remember its all in Gods timing not ours..just have to keep the faith..well done and nicely expressed

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. You're right. Faith is easy when the weather is sunny, but it's during the storms when you need it most.

[Fran Marie]

So very welcome;

[Kelly Scheppers]

"Faith sees plenty in emptiness,
Hears symphonies in silence,
And looks upon the gates of death
As doors to other rooms."

There's a world of inspiration between each line, and it reads beautifully, John. I often find myself thinking about those doors to other rooms. Thank you!

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Kelly. I was rather satisfied with those lines, too. As to those doors, I dearly hope there is a key under the mat.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

have to have faith....if we don't have that, we have nothing to live by or on or with...
yes, faith is life.
j.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, j. In dismaying times (such as our current era), to lose faith is to invite disaster.

[Edie Blue Starfish]

Beautifully written and inspiring.

[John the Baptist]

Thank you. I will be posting two related works soon.

[CD Campbell]

This is a very powerful and comforting poem, Mr. John. What you have stated on the subject of faith is beyond my abilities to express, but I am glad to read that you have been able to feel the divine inspiration to put these truths to words. Good work. CD

[John the Baptist]

Thanks for your kind words. I will be posting the other two poems of the trilogy shortly.