0218 Paradise Known Comments

Not exactly an original conceit (a child questioning the Bible or talking to God in a bemused manner) , this poem is sort of reminiscent of Alice Walker's 'Dear God' letters that comprised 'The Color Purple. I was rather looking for something a little quirkier or edgier or satirical here, but I felt it lapsed into convention and sentimentality, ending with a 'we've heard this before' tone. Having said that, its a touching little poem, for despite the child's voice that narrates it, these are questions (God, death, Original Sin) we all grapple with from time to time. For that reason, the poem works.

Very deep poem yet very simple. I enjoyed it very much.

I love your descriptions of what Paradise was like! I love the rhyme with 'miserable old Aunt Min'... And the rest, well, it's nice to see the child in you so alive! Dealing with the Genesis muddle is tough, it does take a child.

You did indeed get in the mind of a child...but then they say that child still lives in all of us. This is a beautiful, questioning poem and sweet. There is more depth than meets the eye. Excellent. Raynette

Well-written and thoughtful.

My mother always tells me you will never age because you will always be my child... with God likewise? GS