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The Prodigal Cries

Deafening rapid fire blasts Shatter the transluscent margins of Silence with Harrowed cries gasped Howls echo from one side to the other Of the heart’s vast arena with a repeating chorus of ruing Pleas Of the gone lost Groaning for home in frayed syllables Grasping at last To a measure of hope Possible in a faith’s apologies And abiding love’s Pronounced touch of forgiveness… ** “I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.” Henri Nouwen: “ The Prodigal Son “ ————————— (c) sally eslinger 2/3/2025

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Joe Dimino

Date: 2/17/2025 8:14:00 AM

A good description of the Astral, or, perhaps Purgatory itself. Very endemic of the many personal struggles shared by individuals, and, in a broader sense, the multiple conflicts playing-out on the world stage of politics. Profound write! Inviting people to think...and come to the table of, something is wrong! Has to be a better way! Great poem!

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/19/2025 7:47:00 AM

Joe, thank you for your thoughtful comment. Thus was much of the inspiration in writing this. Blessings over you always! sally

Duke Beaufort

Date: 2/15/2025 4:59:00 AM

Sally, I think finding hope and feeling good is a very personal and difficult voyage. Much of it depends on things that happen to us out of our control and learning to deal with those aspects of life. There are so many people suffering and your poem echoes that situation.

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/19/2025 7:52:00 AM

Amen, Duke. And thank you for your thoughtful comment. Here’s to compassion & forgiveness!

Valsa George

Date: 2/6/2025 8:42:00 PM

So cryptic, enfolding a sea of meaning and having oceanic depths. When a deep cry of repentance rises from the heart, each prodigal son will be absolved of his sins by His forgiving mercy and ever abiding love. This sweet and profound poem goes into my FAVE.

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/7/2025 4:52:00 AM

Valsa, thank you My life wasforever changed in 2019, when I met a localpoet who had a troubled soul, upset he said by his calling for God’s touch, yet seeing No signs of God’s nearness and as such, he committed suicide. I see poems & FB posts frequentlyw/the same crying. It is so hard to relay that God IS RIGHT THERE esp. once He is so asked for! It just takes BELIEVING that that is so…the Prodigal parable teaches that; we can leave home & return home without ever Physically leaving! To wish for the Prounced touch” of God the Father is a matter of opening our own souls to the truth of the Gospel…….hugs,

Joe Maverick

Date: 2/4/2025 10:07:00 PM

Such prodigious lines should draw Enquiring minds.' Great content Sally May you be healed in mind body and spirit.' All blessings.'

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/7/2025 4:58:00 AM

Thank you, Joe! Your kind comment appreciated & humbling. Many poems of faith on Soup, plus current world events inspired this poem as well as a personal story of a poet feiend’s suicide. Blessings to you!

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 2/4/2025 6:48:00 PM

Dear Sally, Wow, this feels raw like a cry of longing, every line trembling on the edge of something vast and aching. The echoes, the pleas, the grasping, it’s all so visceral. Redemption never comes easy, but here, it feels just within reach. Beautiful. Welcome Back! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/7/2025 5:09:00 AM

Daniel, many thanks. I am hoping to emphasize that our Earthly parents are nearby AND heavenly Father , close too, hear prodigal cries, but that WE TOO need to open our senses to the same anguish of our fellows who need our help. Blessings, dear friend.

Joe Dimino

Date: 2/4/2025 5:53:00 PM

"Of the gone lost Groaning for home in frayed syllables" -- Hi Sally; beautiful, profound write. I can only relate from my own experience, but Father has always accepted me back, unconditionally, no matter how far I have strayed. Love is all we need. Repentance is a part of love. We need only return to the Father, and he will run to us, meeting us more than half way. He expects nothing from us, for his everything-connection is already ours and His. We are made to ultimately succeed.

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/7/2025 5:20:00 AM

‘Of the gone lost” were the first words that appeared to inspire this poem. As you know, we’re simply to reCh a hand out from our souls and pause, to realize the presence of God. I thank you for your humbling comment. I pray God continues to inspireHis ways, always inspiring thru your thoughtful poetry. your hungry search for His soul and the mysteries of

Ink Empress

Date: 2/4/2025 12:04:00 AM

Dear sally, what a most creative poem this is written in such a deeply moving manner! I love so many phrases in this such as “ frayed syllables “ and “pronounced touch of forgiveness” “repeating chorus of ruing please” i can see you were very inspired! Its so good to read you after a long time! Hope you are doing well dear poetic soul! Sending you light always

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/7/2025 5:28:00 AM

Empress, i thank you as always, for your thoughtful comment and sent light. I believe we all need to hear the calls of the lost and in ways we are able, help our heavenly Father assist those in spiritual and physical need. Love uyou!

Sotto Poet

Date: 2/3/2025 6:55:00 PM

Sally, your poem is a work of art, full of rich metaphors. It was a beautiful poem. The layout is impeccable, and it abounds with imagery.

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/3/2025 8:59:00 PM

sPoet,, thanks for your time to take in my poem and comment. I really enjoyed reading your work this morning. Blessings!

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/3/2025 7:27:00 AM

Loved your poem. It is well-formatted and full of metaphoric allusions.

Sally Eslinger
Date: 2/3/2025 7:36:00 AM

Thanks Victor. Sending you joy wishes there in Maita!