I had a visitor today, uninvited ere he came,
I spoke with him for hours, though I never learned his name.
He offered me solutions to the questions in my mind;
Then asked if I were ready for the answers I would find.
There were many mysteries, that life had kept concealed,
I thought of my reaction if the truth were revealed.
Drawn by curiosity, I listened to him speak,
I said love and life and faith are the answers that I seek.
He sat down at my table while I poured a cup of tea.
Then speaking like a prophet, he shared his verse with me.

LOVE can be a mighty force, or a castle made of sand.
It can bring us to our knees, or give us the strength to stand.
It will grant you happiness when you treat it with respect.
But love can lose its luster when its care falls to neglect.
It is born of sacrifice, it has no earthly gain,
There’s no return or interest, no profit to attain.
Completely altruistic, a light within the soul,
It isn’t motivated by any selfish goal.
But it is not invincible, there’s much it can't withstand.
Love can be a mighty force, or a castle made of sand.

At LIFE’s starting line they wait, for the race to begin.
Each one has a single goal: to be the one to win.
The sound of a gunshot sends each runner sprinting on.
Like a hawk upon the wind, in a breath they are gone.
Some fight their way to the front, trying to take the lead.
Crushing all who jeopardize their efforts to succeed.
When the leaders cross the line, they see God waiting there.
He tells them to have a seat, and hands each one a chair.
Its not a competition, life is of God’s design.
And no one can win that race, ‘til all have crossed the line.

FAITH is one who walks a path through perilous terrain;
And if he dares to wander, his quest could be in vain.
For with every step he takes, the light begins to dim.
Until there's only darkness to pave the way for him.
He doesn't fall to his knees and cry out to the Lord.
He doesn't cease his marching to fumble for his sword.
Fear does not abide in him, despair does not belong.
His resolve never waver; for faith has made him strong.
He needs no light to guide him; there’s no doubt in his mind.
He can’t see what lies ahead; the man of Faith is blind.

I sat back in my chair, amazed at what I'd heard.
He had power in his voice, and truth in every word.
I had so many questions; I knew not where to start.
Perhaps his words could fill the empty space in my heart.
I asked him about happiness, could it be that hard to find?
I asked him about marriage, why it's often left behind.
Then my query turned to death, that final cold embrace.
Would that be the end of me when I looked upon its face?
He took another sip of tea, and softly he confessed,
While I hung on each answer, the visitor expressed.

HAPPINESS is something that few will ever find.
The one who must pursue it will soon be left behind.
And those who try to buy it should heed this good advice.
The thing you wish to purchase can't be bought at any price.
It's bigger than your pocket book; no market sells its stocks.
It can't be held in one's hand, or contained within a box.
One selfless act bequeaths it, when shared with those in need.
It shall bloom within the heart, for kindness sows the seed.
But if you wish to find it; there’s something you must learn.
Happiness is something, only selfless deeds can earn.

MARRIAGE is the sacred bond that binds two souls as one,
A covenant of love, that burns brighter than the sun.
Its power lives forever; even death can't stay its might.
No darkness overcomes what was forged within its light.
You'll never run, nor walk away, from life's inclement weather.
Obstacles which bar your path, are overcome together.
But do not be too hasty, if lust has fueled the fire.
Such bonds only last as long as your sexual desire.
For if you seek to marry, and choose to chart this course,
Know the God you're swearing to does not recognize divorce.

DEATH is like a butterfly, released from the cocoon
To ride the wind unfettered, far above the sun and moon.
Where shackles once did bind her, now freedom does abide.
She spreads her wings of gossamer on currents that she rides.
They take her on a journey upon the cosmic winds,
Where she is reunited with old family and friends.
Paradise then beckons her, shines its light on her face,
As she’s drawn toward the glow of its radiant embrace.
The butterfly unfolds her wings of immortality,
To soar the heights with angels, into eternity.

His insights, they amazed me, and took me by surprise.
How was it that this stranger had come to be so wise?
He seemed to understand what is right and what is wrong.
As though he knew precisely, the path where I belong.
His knowledge was unnerving; wise words I can’t ignore.
I asked about family, could he please tell me more?
Then I wondered why friendship, was such an uphill clime;
Why so few relationships can stand the test of time?
I asked how one finds courage, when face to face with death.
Then waiting for his answer, I calmly took a breath.

FAMILY is sacred, they’re the center of your life,
They know you better than your husband or your wife.
They were there when you began, they’ll be there when you end.
They cannot be replaced by a confidant or friend.
Not even betrayal can change the family role,
That bond is always there, you’re connected by the soul.
No matter where you might roam, or how far down you slide,
Families are always there, they never leave your side.
You may not see eye to eye; you won’t always agree,
But never will you find a bond, greater than family.

FRIENDSHIP is acceptance into the hallowed fold;
A bond as close to family as any two can hold.
Their covenant is precious, and rarely ever found.
They are joined by the spirit; by honor they are bound.
Friendship is respected, and won’t be desecrated,
It will not be exploited, nor manipulated.
If you have been deceived, or betrayed, in the end,
The one who abused your trust, never was your friend.
Friends won’t abandon you through difficult endeavors.
Buddies come and go, but friendship lasts forever.

COURAGE is the benchmark of unyielding resolve.
To do what must be done, in spite of what’s involved.
It will meet any danger, wherever it appears.
But with each threat it faces, it must also face its fears.
Courage involves sacrifice, it knows that it might fail.
Only faced with defeat can courageousness prevail.
Is a cop who took no risks a hero to admire?
What of the fireman who never fought a fire?
Heroes are not people paid to answer a call,
Courage is distinguished by the one who risks it all.

More intrigued by the moment, I poured another cup,
Certain my prophetic guest could not have made this up.
His wisdom was astounding, like something out of lore.
I invited him to stay and share a little more.
Tell me about consequence, and the dangers of pride.
I asked why we have free will, could that be clarified?
He only took a moment to silently reflect,
a prayer of faith and glory, to show the Lord respect.
When he spoke to me once more, my eyes were wet with tears,
What he said left me stunned, I could not believe my ears.

There is CONSEQUENCE for each decision that we make.
It awaits us at the end of every road we take.
It rewards our kindness, and rebukes each evil deed.
It won’t withhold punishment, no matter how we plead.
If you’ve given all you have to someone who has none,
Promising to walk the path exampled by the Son;
With no reward expected for good deeds that you do,
God will know what you have done and do the same for you.
For everything we do, there will be recompense,
Make your choices wisely, lest you face the consequence.

PRIDE is the wall that separates one class from another.
It’s what causes a man to look down on his brother.
It makes a women believe that beauty is the key,
But beauty serves no purpose, save sex and vanity.
Pride is what’s responsible for greed and selfishness;
And in it’s wake, it has sown the seeds of prejudice.
It even caused the angels to fall from heaven’s grace,
It prevents humanity from seeing our Lord’s face.
It shepherds many people; the road it walks is wide.
The path to destruction is paved carefully, with pride.

FREE WILL is creation’s way of giving you a voice.
The noble and ignoble are defined by every choice.
A single act can alter where the river flows.
And one choice can decide which direction the wind blows.
You are responsible for your own condemnation,
Likewise you may choose to embrace your salvation.
You can make the selfish choice, if you are so inclined,
But when consequence is faced, you cannot change your mind.
Yet, when everything seems lost, you may find salvation still.
The choice is yours to make, that is why you have free will.

I offered him a meal, and hoped he'd stay awhile.
He thanked me for my kindness, and accepted with a smile.
He sat down on the sofa, to eat and then recline.
I threw a log on the fire, and poured a glass of wine.
I asked him about Hope when we face adversity.
I asked of Good and Evil, and what they mean to me.
Then I thought of Salvation; could I receive its grace?
Would the scars of my transgressions exclude me from that place?
He looked into my eyes, starring deep into the man.
Then taking a sip of wine, the visitor began.

HOPE is like a sailing ship, dependent on the wind
To carry her to safety like an old familiar friend.
When the sea begins to rage, and the sky threatens to fall.
Resolute, she will forge on, though death should come to call.
But she will not give up; her resolve will never bend.
If the sea should try to claim her, she will fight until the end.
She has been here many times, faced death's relentless wrath.
But still she carries on; she never waivers on her path.
She cannot ask for mercy, too great would be the cost.
Should Hope ever admit defeat, her purpose would be lost.

You know of GOOD AND EVIL, the darkness and the light.
But have you understanding, to know the wrong from right?
Good intentions pave the road that will lead to one's demise.
You must understand your choices lest ye choose a path unwise.
If you give to someone needy a portion of your wealth,
Will your gift result in good, improving life and health?
Or will he be empowered to take the road once more
That led to his destruction, as he's often done before?
For good is sometimes evil, the reverse is also true.
Be wary of those shades of gray that lie in wait for you.

SALVATION is a promise, a contract signed in blood.
Greater that the covenant given Noah ere the flood.
'Tis a pledge to all who seek it; a light that points the way.
A call to every sinner that they not be swept away.
But many will not listen nor gaze into the light.
For they judge themselves unworthy to come into His sight.
Yet that is why He came here, to make us clean again.
To take upon His shoulders the wages of our sin.
He did not come to judge you, however far you roam.
But to offer you salvation and show you the way home.

Completely fascinated, I offered him some pie,
To give my guest a reason, to stay and testify.
He had so much to teach me, my need for knowledge burned.
And I was deeply grateful for all that I had learned.
Speak of reincarnation, are souls ever reborn?
Share your thoughts on suicide, what consequence is borne?
And what about conviction, have people lost respect?
Set aside because it’s not politically correct?
Finishing his apple pie, his tone seemed so surreal,
I listened for the wisdom, his answers would reveal.

REINCARNATION is found in the Gospel of John,
There is but one example, to which you will be drawn.
The scriptures were confusing, and had to be made clear,
Concerning when Elijah was said to reappear.
Jesus revealed the answer, to what the scriptures taught.
Elijah came already, and the world knew him not.
The disciples understood, and soon all doubt was gone.
They knew the Lord was speaking of the Baptist known as John.
Souls do not come back to learn, nor strive for a reward.
We’re not here to get it right, we’re here to serve the Lord.

SUICIDE is one’s attempt at making an escape,
From the gloom of hopelessness, rapidly taking shape.
Oblivion seems better, than facing such despair,
They see no future living a life that’s so unfair.
But peaceful rest does not await, when that veil is crossed,
You will see your destiny, and what Creation lost.
Such a soul cannot depart, it shall be forlorn.
For lives have now been altered, and others won’t be born.
Until the end of your effect, here you must reside.
To witness what this deed has wrought; the price of suicide.

CONVICTION can’t be compromised, nor can it be bound.
You can’t consign what you believe to the middle ground.
Do not fear what people think, of your philosophy,
Don’t conceal the path you walk, behind conformity.
Such a road is perilous, bereft of faith and hope;
It will lead its travelers down a slippery slope.
Conviction is outspoken, defending what it knows,
As mighty as a mountain; as gentle as a rose.
It’s the path that Jesus walked, to His crucifixion,
A flawless example of resolute conviction.

In awe of what he told me, I had to ask for more.
There were so many questions, I needed to explore.
And my guest seem quite content to indulge my appeal;
Glad to see that I approached his insights with such zeal.
I asked him about vengeance; I needed clarity.
Then my questions led to prayer, and public piety.
Finally I asked of masks, and why they must be worn.
Why many start wearing them so soon after we’re born?
I poured another glass of wine, and sat down by the fire.
Patiently, I waited for the answers I desire.

VENGEANCE is the Lord’s to take, however He sees fit.
He provides the consequence for wrongs that we commit.
Justice must be satisfied, her promise must be kept.
Her scales have been balanced by the tears the Lord has wept.
But do not be mistaken; for every evil deed,
No one escapes His vengeance; justice will succeed.
Balance comes to everything; some weep and some rejoice.
Each reprisal you will face, depends upon your choice.
It is not what He desires, that any be undone.
He gives you many chances, He even gave His Son.

PRAYER provides a conduit, between you and the Lord.
Your faith shone through every plea, so fervently implored.
God will always fill your needs, and see that you survive.
If your burdens were too great, you wouldn’t be alive.
But prayer is a private thing, meant just for God and you.
It’s not for exhibition, performed for public view.
For such prayers are insincere, they’re practiced for your peers.
Private thoughts you share with God, aren’t meant for human ears.
Do not make a spectacle of the things you believe,
Those who pray upon a stage, do it to deceive.

Children begin wearing MASKS the day they understand,
That there is more to living than playing in the sand.
For everyone was equal, sitting in that sandbox.
Perspectives the child forgets when he starts throwing rocks.
That’s where you make distinctions, and when you choose your cliques.
Religion, race and color, define your politics.
Each moment of time’s passing, life becomes more complex.
As you come of age, you notice the opposite sex.
You wear masks for acceptance, and to help you fit in.
Until you can’t see where they end and where you begin.

Profoundly fascinated, I pondered what he’d said.
And thought of revelations, that still waited ahead.
He bade me to take my time; there was no need for haste.
The time one spends reflecting, is time he did not waste.
Can you speak of time and space, does it have boundaries?
Tell me about sentience, and its complexities.
Then speak of evolution, what does your wisdom say?
I am interested to hear what your insights convey.
A moment’s contemplation, he took a sip of wine.
He placed his glass on the table, and raised his eyes to mine.

TIME AND SPACE are relative, bound to one another.
Separately they cannot exist without the other.
But they’re just an illusion, a cosmic mystery,
Time and space cannot exist within eternity.
Eternity is timeless; no beginning, no end.
It didn’t start from nothing, as science may contend.
Nothing has no building blocks, just emptiness within,
A state of nonexistence, with no means to begin.
Leaving just eternity, with its timeless embrace,
Creating the illusion that we call time and space.

SENTIENCE is energy, a form unto its own.
No other force is like it, its power stands alone.
It fuels the life within you, and makes you who you are.
The voice of reason it provides won’t let you go too far.
But sentience cannot exist, without the building blocks.
Ponder that and you will know the secret it unlocks.
Gaze into eternity, that timeless living force,
Sentience exists because it is part of the source.
For nothing comes from nothing, and what is won’t dissolve.
Sentience is eternal; it cannot just evolve.

EVOLUTION does exist; it is adaptation.
It has come in many form, even speciation.
It explains diversity for species in the wild.
Nature has a lot to say, through evidence complied.
It can answer the questions that keep you in the dark;
Like how all those animals could fit on Noah’s Ark.
Noah only had to take, those of the purest blood.
Evolution did the rest, to help survive the flood.
Though all other life evolves, for man that’s not the case.
In spite of evolution, there’s just one human race.

The hour was getting late and fatigue was setting in,
But I still had more questions, not sure where to begin.
He sensed my curiosity, and so agreed to stay.
With patience, he sat waiting, for what I had to say.
If Hell really does exist, will I avoid its call?
I asked him about Heaven, could I enter at all?
And then I asked of Judgment, how can any survive?
If there are no righteous souls, who will be left alive?
Then he smiled at my questions, as if pleased with my choice.
And with anticipation, I hearkened to his voice.

HELL is not a punishment reserved for those who try,
To lead a life of charity and love ere they die.
For God does not desire it for any of his flock,
That darkness be the journey that anyone need walk.
But those who will not listen are destined for this curse.
The souls who were the centers of the universe.
They do not acknowledge God, nor recognize His might,
And so choose separation, forever from His sight.
You are masters of your fate, and where your souls will dwell.
Heaven is a choice away, that’s also true of hell.

HEAVEN is like a glass of water, the purest you can drink.
Though it can be corrupted by a single drop of ink.
If you make it to the gate, your life will be revealed.
No mystery will remain, no moment left concealed.
Be prepared for what you'll find when you look at your life.
Don’t be surprised by the times your deeds caused someone strife.
You will also see the lives which were enriched by you,
Don’t forget what you have learned, when facing this review.
If you reject salvation, will you enter, do you think;
If heaven were corrupted by a single drop of ink?

JUDGMENT comes to everyone according to their deeds.
God cultivates the good crops and throws away the weeds.
But if one can be rescued, if redemption exists,
God will pluck them from the heart of perdition’s abyss.
But the sins of life must be completely washed away.
Those who cannot let them go will never find their way.
Such souls are doomed to wander, detached from creation.
Refusing God’s forgiveness, and His Son’s salvation.
Don’t judge yourself too harshly, your sins do not begrudge.
Lest your final judgment be left in your hands to judge.

The remainder of the night had quickly drifted by,
The early morning stars now twinkled in the sky.
The fire was still burning, like my curiosity,
I asked if he would answer other questions for me.
He smiled when he nodded, as if up to the task,
I sat down beside him while I thought of what to ask.
Tell me of the principles on which honor is built,
Share your insight with regard to innocence and guilt.
He thought for a moment as he pondered his next word,
I listened in amazement at the wisdom that I heard.

It is HONOR’S foundation upon which stands your word.
It defines your character, and how you are referred.
The most precious gift you have, belonging just to you,
It can never be taken, nor hidden from your view.
It’s the one gift from the Lord that only you control,
A prize of untold value, a mirror to the soul.
For all that belongs to you, your life, your family;
Everything that you hold dear could vanish instantly.
Virtue is the only thing that truly fills your cup.
You cannot lose your honor, unless you give it up.

INNOCENCE, is defined, as a state of being free.
Freedom from evil deeds, through a life of purity.
It doesn’t cause another pain, nor strive to offend.
For innocence is blameless, no harm does it intend.
In it, there is no malice; within, no darkness hides.
Sin has never breached it, no corruption there resides.
Evil cannot bring it low, nor cause its light to fade,
Should it be face with darkness, it shall not be afraid.
It doesn’t bear false witness, it cannot tell a lie;
Were it ever compromised; innocence would die.

‘Tis GUILT that casts a shadow over every offence.
It is where you’ll find the blame; from it, there’s no defense.
It ferrets out the truth, in what motivates our tasks.
It can see through the illusions of our many masks.
It knows the paths you follow, and which ones are your own.
No matter what you try to hide, guilt will make it known.
It opens every closet, exposes every lie.
Offences we’ve committed, guilt will identify.
It doesn’t make excuses, for selfish roads we’ve trod.
It testifies against us, when face to face with God.

I drank in every word, it was intoxicating.
The whole experience was exhilarating.
I could not prevent myself from asking of my guest,
If he would mind granting me another small request.
He seemed content to remain and listen to my plea.
I wished to know the meaning of Christianity.
I asked about perfection, could I reach that plateau?
I thought of creation, would I ever really know?
He looked toward the window, his thoughts drifting away.
When his gaze met mine again, I heard him softly say…

CHRISTIANITY began in times of Roman rule.
If you followed Jesus, you were looked on as a fool.
To give up everything for a life of sacrifice,
Was something gladly done; it was not too high a price.
And in their trials, they persevered, their faith saw them through.
Holding firm in their convictions; to God, they stayed true.
When they testified in church, they did not shout their praise.
They made no spectacle, of their faith or Christian ways.
The one who follows Christ needs no earthly facade.
If he seeks man’s acceptance, he does not follow God.

PERFECTION isn’t something a soul evolves into.
It must be made that way if you wish it to be true.
Diamonds do not cut themselves into a flawless state.
Nor can a soul make perfect, what it did not create.
Perfection can’t be attained by one who starts out flawed.
Yet you can be made perfect through the power of God.
He is the diamond cutter; through Him you’ll be remade.
Trust your soul to Jesus, and your light will never fade.
Life is a fleeting thing, like a star without direction.
But guided by His love, that life can find perfection.

CREATION is the canvas, God’s master work of art.
And every stroke of his brush flows gently from His heart.
Deep within this masterpiece, He gave us each a breath.
To ensure the path we choose might lead beyond our death.
Here upon the canvas every road has been charted.
Some lead to rewards, others leave you broken hearted.
Jesus is the brush by which everything is blended.
Through the love He has shared, the canvas is transcended.
The brush becomes the bridge into God’s eternity,
The way, truth and the life, if you choose that destiny.

The morning sun was rising, the sky was lavender.
The night had passed so quickly, it almost seemed a blur.
Yet I was captivated, I didn’t want to stop.
I was drinking in his words, consuming every drop.
I asked if he could stay for just a few more questions,
He said he must depart, though he’d hear my suggestions.
Let me know of forgiveness and the blessings thereof,
Tell me about hate and the meaning of true love.
He handed me his cup, and reflected for a time.
And when he spoke again, he shared another rhyme.

FORGIVENESS is the one thing that Satan can’t control.
If it dwells within your heart, he cannot rule your soul.
It renders him powerless to cause you grief or strife,
Forgiveness won’t allow him, to complicate your life.
It is your greatest weapon, your most powerful choice,
And when it’s done sincerely, there’s reason to rejoice.
But do not give it falsely, it cannot be implied.
If resentment still remains, your pardon is denied.
Bestowing of forgiveness never incurs a debt.
If you’ve chosen to forgive, you must also forget.

HATE is symbiotic, it cannot stand alone.
When trust has been betrayed, the heart will hear it groan.
It is fueled by anger, resentment stokes the flame,
This fire, as cold as ice, seeks a victim to claim.
It destroys all it touches, leaves you empty inside,
It will turn a heart to ash, and brush a soul aside.
It spreads like a cancer, until you are consumed.
Absorbed by the darkness, where your light will be entombed.
Emptiness will claim those consigned this lonely fate.
Sad will be the future for those consumed by hate.

TRUE LOVE is, by it’s nature, unconditional.
It is neither exhaustible nor transitional.
It will not mistreat you like the storm does the feather,
It doesn’t come and go like the seasons or the weather.
Once it’s touched your heart, it will live there evermore.
Both a blessing and a curse that leaves you wanting more.
It won’t happen in a day, true love needs time to grow.
Should it ever fill your cup, that cup will overflow.
It doesn’t disappear when trouble comes to call.
If it dies in your heart, it was never there at all.

He told me he must depart before the clock strikes noon.
His time was nearly done, for that hour was coming soon.
I asked if he could answer, on final thing for me.
And I wondered, in my heart, what his reply would be.
Is belief in the Lord, all a person needs to do?
Will it open heaven’s gate when our time here is through?
And what of the churches who claim to be aware?
Are just their congregations allowed to enter there?
I wondered if the truth could be found by those who seek,
And as I moved in closer, I listened to him speak.

BELIEF is measured by your faith, not by what you think.
It is walking on water, unafraid to sink.
The Lord set the example, through Him the seeds were sowed.
Belief will take you down a long and narrow road.
Those who followed Jesus were prepared to pay the price.
What good are one’s beliefs if we make no sacrifice?
If you tend to yourself, but ignore your brother’s needs,
Should you share the garden if you didn’t plant the seeds?
The person who believes, understands what must be done.
What leads to the Father is the path walked by the Son.

CHURCHES claim the mantle of shepherds on the earth.
Some say that they decide what a soul is really worth.
The have a reservation in heaven just for you,
Becoming their disciple is all you need to do.
But Jesus is the shepherd, the only Son of God.
He leads those with the courage to follow where He’s trod.
The true church of the Lord, makes no personal demands.
God won’t dwell within a house, built by human hands.
It is a place of worship, to gather in His name.
That’s all it was meant to be, no matter what the claim.

The TRUTH will set you free, if you’re wise enough to hear;
It can also expose you, when stripped of your veneer.
If you don’t think you need to gaze into the mirror,
Then the truth cannot make your vision any clearer.
Truth is found in the Word, whenever our Lord speaks.
A humble heart understands exactly what it seeks.
A prideful soul only sees what vanity allows.
It won’t listen to the truth; the proud heart never bows.
You’ll find within the mirror, what is, and isn’t true.
For the journey toward the truth always begins with you.

And when he finished speaking, he stood and wished me well.
He hugged me like a brother, then turned and bid farewell.
He looked back only once, a smile upon his face.
Then he simply vanished; he was gone without a trace.
Amazed and bewildered, I just stood there and stared.
Then I took up pen and paper and recorded what he shared.
I found understanding in everything I'd heard.
A deeper sense of meaning in each and every word.
This tale serves to guide me through everything I do.
I pray that, in the reading, it does the same for you.

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Copyright©2017-1999 by Rebecca R. Hammack

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