Rung By Rung

The first step, my son, which we make in this world, is the one on which depends the rest of our days. What signifies the ladder, provided one rise and attain the end? - Voltaire

Jacob's Ladder by William Blake

praying and taking chances

my wayward spirit dreams and dances

'pon may clouds like an unpicked field of cotton

a fallen world spoken and begotten

i've finally arrived

i know because i no longer give a damn

don't need no lover to hold my hand

no four-eyed bible study to help me understand

you see, i've joined heaven's band in a faraway land

i've never been gladder

since climbing jacob's crooked ladder

despite an aching back and a full bladder

peeking in despite my sin

unafraid that it might do me in

eager to see dearly departed kin

the ladder may have had some missing rungs

but i got over them with the faith in my lungs

hanging out and playing songs with the angels

all music speaks in tongues

thunder plays the drums

leaving an eternal trail of crumbs

because a faithful soul may get beaten up but is never done

the devil can think he's won

but the sun is still and forever the sun

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

There are musical variations in your wording, Pete.. clever, appropriate and great shadows for the would-lyrics. Takes a thinker about heaven and earth to offer lyrics like yours.. if that was your intention. But more so, true or not and think the former, you have set your sights on a place that opens its gates... and wide as wide as the gates will go, even for those with off-key baggage. Even a few losers - not you, could end up in such a place,

'all music speaks in tongues
thunder plays the drums
leaving an eternal trail of crumbs
because a faithful soul may get beaten up but is never done
the devil can think he's won
but the sun is still and forever the sun'

[Pete]

music liberates to take me where it will - even places we're seemingly not allowed to go. we think of heaven, some try to capture it in the here and now but is just temporary as they jump from plain to plain with their baggage. i try to travel light with little. less is more when we finally get to open that door!

[emmajoygreen]

Why take when whatever needed is already there, yes?

[Pete]

true that.

[Sami Khalil]

He must have had a real sturdy ladder to climb to heaven; I'm hoping he had some breathing mechanism or instruments. As for you sir, it comes natural to write a worthy poem on a spiritual subject.

[Pete]

he would have taken the elevator but he didn't which buttons to press. pretty remarkable when you consider that he's afraid of heights.

[Sami Khalil]

Lol. That was a good one. You are welcome sir.

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous work. You paint an in-depth landscape here.

[Poetic Beauty]

I love this poem about climbing Jacob’s latter to reach Heaven. And the angel band is a wonderful idea to add in. Well done on the description and word choices in this poem