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For What It's Worth
by Ken HarnischSometimes I ponder the sins I would commit
To hold you again,
and in my mind, make argument
With St. Peter as to why this was no sin at all, but
The crying need of a heart destined by choice or
Chance never to give its all in any forum or to
Any being openly.
There is always a shroud, a
Curtain, a wall, behind which it must play a game
Of Hide-and Seek, and counting by fives to a hundred
Opens its eyes to know the players have fled- again-
Then weeps in its secret warrens that such teasing is unfair;
Unworthy of a God of grace and fate and compassion.
And St. Peter yawns, quite tired of repeating
the mantra
That Life is unfair, and so it is, but having held you once,
I cannot think Life would ever be cruel enough to deny me
The chance to do it again.
But St. Peter would say:
Such a fate, while perhaps warranted by patience, would
Not be worthy of a soul seeking his redemption.
And I would weigh
That, and contemplating eternity against the
Consequence of a lover’s questionable lapse, tell the Gatekeeper,
To his surprise, that your embrace, anew, would be worth the price
Of my salvation. 06/18/2008 Posted on 06/18/2008
Copyright © 2026 Ken Harnisch
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 06/18/08 at 03:25 PM Isn't that the truth? Great write. |
| Posted by Melissa Arel on 06/18/08 at 04:42 PM WOW. This poem is amazing. |
| Posted by Nanette Bellman on 06/18/08 at 09:38 PM The things we're willing to do for love. Great read. |
| Posted by Joy Sy on 06/19/08 at 02:29 AM Sometimes Love trumps religion |
| Posted by Glenn Currier on 06/19/08 at 04:59 AM Your poem draws me into its embracing passion and longing, into its poignant remembering. Your creativity and artistry continue to amaze me. I am so happy to be back here at your oasis for a wonderful, refreshing drink. |
| Posted by Kristine Briese on 06/19/08 at 03:16 PM Your poems always take me to such beautiful places, and they often make me wish I was in love with someone. |
| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 06/21/08 at 07:08 PM The coupling of religion and romance works superbly here Ken. A refreshingly different change of direction that set this poet happily on his derriere. Kudos! |
| Posted by Tony Whitaker on 06/22/08 at 05:26 AM Love is never a sin, if it is truly love and not just lust. Beautifully done Ken.... |
| Posted by Maria Massarella on 06/22/08 at 06:30 PM I imagine this handwritten - the page exuding romance before the words are ever read. Simply beautiful.
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| Posted by Maria Massarella on 06/22/08 at 06:38 PM ... because a rose has the fragrance of romance beyond whatever be the thorns or the sins that need be redeemed ... and in your poem I feel the presence of a rose ... |
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