This Poem was Submitted By: Mark Steven Scheffer On Date: 2012-08-24 02:41:03 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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East of Eden

                                                                    you find a harp,                                                                     and a book of poetry.                                                                     play it.                                                                     read it.                                                                     enjoy it.                                                                     but don't be taken in.                                                                     it is not everything.                                                                     if anything, it is more akin to nothing.                                                                     the sages will tell you to live it.                                                                     it is not much different from money,                                                                     which they forswear.                                                                     listen.                                                                      they both get spent, and leave you nothing.                                                                      it is the suspension of belief,                                                                     not disbelief.                                                                     it is all vanity.                                                                     it is not the way to go,                                                                     this going away.                                                                      where the treasure is,                                                                     the seraphs guard.

Copyright © August 2012 Mark Steven Scheffer

This Poem was Critiqued By: Ellen K Lewis On Date: 2012-08-29 19:21:55
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Awe, another sharp tongued write! I am most impressed with your ability to speak candidly and get it all out in the open. A harp and a book ~ are you sure you want to use the word 'poetry? I love it being 'akin to nothing' ! it is the suspension of belief, not disbelief. I know alot of people who would agree with that! I like the way you said it. it is not the way to go, this going away another great wording! Im glad I read this tonight. After having just read another of yours, I can feel the pattern and the urgency in your message. Shine on, poet! Ellen

This Poem was Critiqued By: Tony P Spicuglia On Date: 2012-08-25 11:13:40
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
And interesting treatise Mark. That the oasis of both worldly enjoyment (of a rather chaste manner, of course) and the true treasure of eternity. Being one who is quite capable, though I have learned to stem the tide, of immersing myself beyond good graces (one might say), the piece rings true. What I found missing, although it is obvious in your piece that these interests come with the creation of this world (if not this society), is the link of the soul to the pastimes. I see the loss of vision (suspension of belief) but I do not see the gain (inclusion of belief) that allows the soul to immerse itself in those “holy” inspirations (such as poetry, creation, painting, music) that only a –soul baptized in a semblance of spirituality- can produce. Granted, the tender message you brought (quite a contrast to other messages you shared) may include by proxy the deitific influence that brings the soul to know the sweetes appreciations of this world. I think, other than my own astute interpretations, others might need a single line detailing the uniqueness of each individual soul that God has granted the ability to simulate and appreciate such creation as only God might fashion from nothingness. For myself, I find this creation of yours to be inclusive of both S1-2 and the last stanza. I enjoyed this piece through many readings. FYI- not lost on me was your distinction between suspension of belief and disbelief. Astute.
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