
This poem was written and included in his first published book of poetry titled “Souls in Bondage.” C.S. Lewis was nineteen years old, recuperating from wounds received in the trenches of WW I. He was also beginning his recovery from atheism, moving to skepticism. Then, making his way to theism and finally back to Christ, where he found his true power in words articulating his contemplations and experiences in Jesus Christ through a variety of genres. [G.W.]
This lost soul looked them over one and all,
Now sickening at the heart’s root; for he knew
This night was one of those when he would fall
And scream alone (such things they made him do)
And roll upon the floor. The madness grew
Wild as a beast, but still his brain was clear
That he could watch the moment coming near.
~
“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,” (Heb. 9:27)
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,” (Joshua 24:15) [choose carefully, reader, for it is the final seal of your eternal soul.]
That is an interesting picture of the beasts. May the Lord help us all through each day and night. I don’t always feel like I’m living up to my testimony in Christ, but God will be the final judge. Thanks for the light you share in your corner of life.
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Well said! It’s so important we realize what the real consequences are to choosing not to follow Jesus Christ. It’s not a small thing.
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Thank you for this! And thank you for taking the time to comment!
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My pleasure!
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A powerful picture your words have painted GW! May the Holy Spirit use it to touch the hearts of readers and may they stop and weigh carefully their choice and the eternal seal they have chosen.
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Amen to that. Thank you, Beth!
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A poem by C.S Lewis I do believe! It’s certainly very powerful.
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I never understood why C.S. Lewis’ poetry was never widely accepted academically. This one is from a collection titled Spirits in Bondage.
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