In Quondam Days by Gregg Hake
He scratched feverishly at the adamantine soil,
His new coat of skin heavy, restrictive
Beneath binding, sweat-drenched clothing
Heart blackened by dolor, vision thus dimmed.
His fate sealed by liberty abused
Thorns and thistles where milk and honey
Once flowed freely in quondam days
Chafe his pride and prick his sullen spirit.
Behind him flaming sword turning every way
Glisters from within, radiantly protecting hallowed land.
He exists, not living; amaranthine truth of love
Once visible is now unseen, veiled by disbelief.
Calloused hands cupped over ears to muffle higher calling
Men in fields adjacent unbend themselves, roaring ‘HERE AM I’
But he, not he; He wallows in shameful impotence
And chokes unrepentantly upon the dust he is to become.
Gregory Hake 
I appreciate your words Gregg. We can change the instant we look up, change our basic inclination and let our higher nature be revealed.
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So in the days of turmoil’s grasp
One need look not far, for quondam days pass
Take flint to stone and cast a spark
That fire be restored to heart
Quickly repent, that life be restored
Remove the filth, of days not adored
Let love radiate, to dawn new day, that shadows of impotence be cast away.
Be still and know, remember quondam days.
Where heart aflame was reigned by truth,
Where spirit a-lit brought cloak of invincible youth.
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Bravo! Wonderful follow up.
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Thanks Gregg for your pointed words. It is good to unbend ourselves and roar, HERE AM I.”
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This certainly removes the varnishings of mystique and confusion that have been applied to this primal account of disobedience and consequent loss. Well said!
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Each day we are living we have to make a choice. Do we continue to live with our eyes downcast, ignoring the call that everyone has available to them? Everyone has an opportunity to live righteously; the world is not a futile endeavor. Things can change with the blink of an eye, all it takes is to stand up, declare your allegiance, and do what is right.
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What painful prose, but as is the truth of our present state there is always the option for repentance. Your poem also illustrates the availability of a new state. It’s as close as our next thought. True repentance will be reflected in every part of our lives, it transforms and revitalizes. Thank you for the vivid picture.
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Powerful and poignant poem
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Wow! The human condition in full view. Thank you for a penetrating view from your words. Beautiful poem.
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