Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.

With Whatever Time I Have Left

I suppose I have a choice to do
whatever I please
with whatever time I have left.

At this point
I'm not sure how much of it is wasted,
how much of the past.

Donna Greene called me a false prophet.
(I assume among far worse things said in my old church)
My cynical self at one time would have laughed at the ignorance,
but instead I hurt.

And so the saints keep on sainting,
having no idea they are destined for Hell.

What did God save me from,
when He led me from that place?
At this point,
I'm still not certain.

I'd like to take the time now,
and for the rest of my days,
to be kind.

I asked my lovely wife,
my young bride,
if I was what people said I was.
And in her tender voice
she said no.

So I take comfort in the Beatitudes,
in Matthew 5:11 - 12.
The Lord chastened me for my adultery,
but never abandoned me.

And there is no way to tell these people,
the holiest of holy rollers
that their sins are forgivable.
How can I tell them that
when they think they don't sin?

I can't watch
the toasts any longer,
not even for another minute.

Oh, I know what I am,
nobody had to tell me..
And I know what I've done wrong.

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?
Editing stage: 

Comments

I didn't know you were back on Neo! I didn't think I was either, to be honest??

I know you've been through a lot lately via FB (yes I keep an eye on all my dear Neopoet comrades and care and check in, even if I don't drop a line!), and this poem shows it.

"saints keep on sainting" --> this line and this entire stanza are the most powerful for me. If you decide to made revisions, my vote is that you don't touch this couplet.

If you want specific ideas for the poem, let me know! I'm not sure what else to comment on.

Kelsey

Critique, don't comment.

Community guidelines: https://www.neopoet.com/community-guidelines

To see our learning resources, click the "Curated Resources" link under the Resources tab in the top menu bar.

you have no idea what this comment means to me, Kelsey. I too have quietly kept an eye on my old friends.

Thank you so much, walking away a little happier because of you.

author comment
(c) Neopoet.com. No copyright is claimed by Neopoet to original member content.