Sonnet: The Futility of Man’s Labors
The ‘why’ of many things is still unknown;
The ‘how’ of certain things, puzzle remains;
The ‘where’ of many things is lesser known;
The ‘when’ of certain things, waxes and wanes.
Most earthly matters are not lucid still;
Most divine things are known not in the least;
Most human achievements are by the ‘will’;
Most natural phenomena aren’t yet pieced.
Sojourn of man on earth has done nothing;
Life-span of man is too short to achieve;
It matters not whether pauper or king;
The man of wisdom does in God believe.
The greatest feats of man on earth are naught;
Compared to Nature, man’s work is a dot!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-13-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Related quotes
Awards For Greatness
Not all can get awards though deserving;
Some luck and pluck too decides awardees;
The heart knows if he/she truly deserves;
The rest remain unsung all life on earth!
Awards on earth are not the ultimate;
The greatest feats are forgotten by men;
The greatest men, women are things of past;
Achievers who get lime-light aren't greatest!
All things on earth return to dust with time;
Most famous monuments become rubble;
Even rivers do change their course often;
Nothing is permanent in earthly life!
The luckiest deserving get awards;
The less lucky can't make up to life's peak;
The unlucky forget what awards mean;
A toiling few cannot think of such things!
Yet, human toil must get recognition;
Awards, rewards encourage achievements;
A few are born with silver-spoon in mouth;
The rest great slip into oblivion!
Yet, hopelessness need not fill any mind;
A few are heros/heroines on earth;
A few are great on earth and in heaven;
A few turn greatest only in heaven!
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
On Human Life on Earth
My arms are not just long enough;
My legs are never swift;
And what matters in men is, Oh,
The grey-mater- God’s gift!
There is an inherent reward
In things of earthly mould;
There’s too innate punishment-card
That comes from God untold!
This is the paradox of life
For men who come from mud;
Men’s decisions are fraught with strife;
They do more harm than good.
The more the frontiers of earth’s science
Advance in many fields,
Man better keep his conscience
In all the things he deals!
Although men may achieve much things,
And God made man for that,
Success in life is what God brings;
Man is God’s mere door-mat!
No matter how much shrewd man be,
He never can outdo,
His Creator more skillfully,
But, God’s Will, he must woo!
When man has reached the far-limit
Of earthly senses, thence,
To further science, he is unfit:
His quest for God begins!
However great a man may be,
Mother Nature’s the best;
When time is spend more wastefully,
Man fails God’s earthly Test!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-25-1999
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: On Time-Management
Even a hundred years will not suffice
For man on earth to do things tangible!
For priceless time cannot be bought for a price,
And the Tempter finds man most gullible.
One-third of life-span goes away in sleep!
One-half of day, in learning, working goes;
Rest of the time for personal jobs, men keep;
For other things, man is upon his toes!
Time's the restraint for man's achievements then;
Time is not to be wasted anytime;
Value of time when realized by men,
Helps man to soar the skies in any clime!
The man who finds the time for everything
Is upon earth, a leader, ruler, king!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 21-08-12
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: Let Death Come, So What?
Most faces known to me are no more seen;
Most names I’d heard have been erased by time;
Is it God’s work or quirk of fate quite mean?
Yes, death must come to all earthlings sometime.
Belov’d landscapes have changed for good of man;
Nothing on earth remains permanently;
All earthly things have definite life-span;
This is a fact but sad reality.
But what if death had stolen ones I know;
Their souls aren’t dead and all will resurrect;
Let’s pray for God’s compassion on them now;
Nothing to worry if upright, erect!
The good we’ve done will gain us Heaven’s bliss;
With faith in Christ, nothing can go amiss!
‘May the souls of the dead, rest in peace! ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-11-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Talking to God
O Lord, my God, I am a sinner too!
Many a time, I have sinned against You;
No doubt, You’ve given me a newer role;
The things that happen aren’t in my control.
Weak is my frame and weak as well, my will;
I can’t depend forever on my skill;
Tell me O Lord, when things will quite improve;
I am afraid I could make the wrong move.
Without Your help, I am always a naught;
This life on earth is with much danger fraught;
The way things happen makes me disgusted;
This earthly gold, silver too get rusted!
You are my Master; I’m Your servant, Lord;
To stray away from You, I can’t afford;
You are the light that brightens my life dark;
O let me walk thine way and keep my mark!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-5-2009
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
‘Live and Let Live! ’
‘Live and let live’ – all just say;
But, do the opposite things everyday;
‘Live and let live ‘– is the one and only way,
By which all can live happily today.
This earth is one and human race is one;
Same problems confront all under the sun;
There are so many things that stay undone;
‘Few things are wrought by money or by gun! ’
The division of lands is just Nature’s;
The air we breathe belongs to all creatures;
It cannot be confined to borders made;
When rain is brought by God, all borders fade.
No nation or its peoples have all things;
This world belongs to paupers and too, kings;
Umpteen problems to all, a lifetime brings;
The sky is same for ‘winged’ and without wings!
Why fight o’er borders that are inconstant?
Why spend so lavishly on nuclear arms?
Why try to make the poorer people slaves?
Why aim for overly-produce from farms?
The basic needs of human race are same;
Denying them to brethren is a shame;
Let love and brotherhood remain our aim;
‘To dust we go because from dust we came! ’
A few rich persons hold most earth’s treasures;
Whatev’r we give, we’ll get in like measures;
There are limits for all earthly pleasures;
The love of God on earth made all creatures!
Let rules be such that all can follow them;
Let life be treated sacred everywhere;
Let kindness fill the hearts of world’s leaders;
‘No war can bring a lasting peace on earth.’
‘Live and let live’ –the best thing all can do;
Let love and not fear, all citizens woo;
Our span of life on earth is short and true;
Our love to God and man, let’s all renew!
The earth can be a paradise as well;
Our faulty deeds keep earth almost like hell;
Our destiny is same – history does tell;
Why human toil should be our own death-knell?
Copyright by Dr John Celes 7-9-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Good Leaders
When leaders are by God appointed, then,
They must do things decreed by Providence;
And in ways according to their conscience,
Or else, they will crash down to earth, sudden!
All leaders must be good like Holy Lord;
Their subjects must be well-off in their rule;
The foolish king invites the wrath of God;
The atheist who rules will be a fool!
All things on earth are decreed by heaven;
All souls must tread the path destined by God;
By God, mankind was made to be even;
Depends on each to get award or rod!
God knows the problems leaders have to face;
God bestows wisdom needed to solve things;
Their sense of values, morals must be base;
Let leaders dole fairness to all earthlings!
Let leaders be wary of what they do;
The law shouldn’t give freedom to men to sin;
The good from ages, they must not undo;
The war with Satan, they must always win!
God laughs at earthly leaders for their pride;
They dare not take divine things for a ride;
First and foremost, they must in God abide;
Provoking God would like suicide!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 11-22-2009
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
In Life on Earth…
The west is not always the best
And east not always the worst;
The north is indiscernible;
The south is unexplainable.
Never ape all things you find around;
Never follow ones un-understandable;
Emulate the good found in others;
Take the good what cultures offer you.
Give unto Caesar what is due to him;
Give unto God what rightly belongs to Him;
One cannot serve both world and God
Except by being righteous all the time.
Nothing you do must exceed its limits;
There are some things that God abhors;
Both good and bad on earth are transient
But will decide your spot in after-life.
Learn to be wise and risk not priceless life;
Learn to not hate but love others around;
Learn to adjust with neighbours and creatures;
Learn to seek God and truth by being holy!
In life on earth, we ought to live right way;
Our conscience will ably guide us through;
Why worry for things earthly, lasting short?
Work for those things eternal in heaven!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 19-04-'12
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
You’ll Live Long!
If ’tis God’s wish, you will live long,
With kith and kin, hearty and hale,
And God won’t illness to prolong,
But end your life’s tornadoes, gale!
With love and care that surround you,
You will recover indeed soon;
May be, God wants you to much do;
Your illness will turn earthly boon!
Keep your courage, power of will;
One’s span of life is in God’s Hands;
Keep your spirits cheerful until,
The grace of God upon you lands.
The strength of prayers can work much;
Man’s body cannot live on own;
God’s blessings have miraculous touch;
You are never on earth alone.
So, cheer up man in ways you can;
None can predict his earthly span;
God’s love for every creature made,
Will stay forever and not fade.
Have trust in Almighty God then;
All things will brighten up with time;
Decreed are all things by heaven,
In ways of God and in His clime.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 1-12-2010
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
God's Love Alone is Constant
The tallest statue's seen only from far;
The temple on a mountain appears small;
No use being a bigger star farther;
The human eyes want optimal-sized things.
A celebrity's status also wanes;
A leader cannot rule a nation long;
Trends, fashions, wishes, desires also change;
Nothing remains constant in life on earth.
The love within a family changes fast;
The needs of persons change with age and time;
You cannot hold a throng spell-bound for long;
There are limits for everything that's done.
Yet, divine love is one thing that doesn't wane;
God gives to all alike both sun and rain.
Just God is constant for eternity;
He is the only Master of all things!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 31-10-2012
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: Most Earthly Things Don't Last For Long!
There are some things we wished to have in life;
We tried our level-best to get them fast,
Despite our poverty, trials and strife;
But once acquired, they turned things of past!
There are some more, we could not get at all,
Despite our many struggles to procure;
But then, they turned like autumn leaves that fall;
And left us just the anguish to endure!
Nevertheless, all earthly things don't last;
Our soul carries the good and bad, we do;
Our evil done stealthily looks aghast;
The good we did becomes scarce, almost few!
All things of earth return to dust some day!
The state of soul decides after-life's way!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 25-06-12
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: God’s Special Love
The love of God had given us our form
Wholesome and perfect, while in mother’s womb;
The environs then tried to us deform:
Some ending without being born in tomb!
The love of God had given parents good,
Who reared us with great care to adulthood;
And taught us basic things we need in life,
And how to toil and overcome our strife.
The love of God had given us life-span-
Our precious time on earth to work for Him;
The Hand of God protected each human,
From foes, travail and when life became grim.
God’s special love chose us before our birth,
For being born, human being on earth.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-2-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: Some Keys to Success
Mere labor can’t give success in our life;
Our perseverance is more important;
Some luck and pluck may work out amidst strife;
God gives us wisdom when prayers we chant.
Man’s struggle is futile without God’s part;
Impeccable schedules and plans don’t work;
Man’s nurtured talents may further his art;
God’s blessings serve as final finish stroke!
Man by himself cannot do many things;
Great feats are done with God as Friend and Guide;
Money and power fail even for kings;
Our common-sense helps us life’s waves to ride!
Our earthly feats must help fellow creatures;
Mundane pastures evoke divine raptures!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-26-2006
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: Earth has Hidden Dangers
The earth has built-in hidden dangers great,
That Mother Nature shows when furious;
And when released, most people call it ‘fate’;
Blame man for his callousness curious.
All appears calm beholding surface things;
Yet, Nature takes man by surprise at times;
Though man performs great feats amongst earthlings,
By natural hazards, Mother Nature chimes!
Man wonders why God should allow ruin?
Good things are lost when Nature strikes terror;
But do they come because of man’s great sin?
–Affirms the punished, ravished survivor!
Yet, if man prays to God, his perils cease;
God’s mercy rains and world returns to peace!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-12-11
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: God Is One and Only Omnipotent One
All things take care of themselves in this world;
No worrying changes course of anything;
A few things occurring sound rather weird;
God will decide the fate of poor or king!
Even the freak of things is as per laws;
Man can't decipher many things on earth;
Through Nature, God controls all things as Boss!
God permits abortions and test-tube birth!
Why God allows unfairness to thrive then?
His thoughts are not like man's but much diff'rent;
Our ways are not like His and of heaven;
Man tries to be foolish, belligerent!
The Master of the universe is Lord
Of things, unseen and seen, and keeps His word!
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
The World of Chaos
When things don't happen as we want in life,
Must we then fret and fume and worry much?
When things go wrong, must we complain to God?
Just think about those more unfortunate!
Our earthly life has ups and downs for all;
The God of fairness cares for all creatures;
But man has made the earth sadder to live;
Why blame the God of goodness for our strife?
Millions of people can't afford one meal;
Many live shelterless and half-naked;
The middle class is burdened by much tax;
Elected leaders enjoy power and pelf.
The common man in misery is found;
Heinous crimes keep mounting high every day;
Basic amenities are denied to most;
If Nature works untimely, all is lost!
And man forgets the God who provides him;
He does not thank the Giver for His grace;
Men think they achieve things by own efforts;
Their hearts seek God when troubles afflict them!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 9-9-2012
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: God's Ways are the Best
The things I think are best for me to ask
From God don't seem to work too well for me;
Those things God gives to help my every task
Appear the best always ultimately.
My wisdom and experience don't succeed;
My knowledge fails me often in this world;
My ambitions go wrong because of greed;
In frustration, so often I seem hurled!
God's decisions come late and not my way;
Yet, they surprisingly remain the best;
No human mind can think like God, I say;
With help of God, we can pass any test.
Man's foolishness begins when wisdom parts;
Man's wisdom ends before God's prowess starts!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-04-'12
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: Think Less: Work More!
Don’t think of things you can’t well think about;
So many things our minds can’t ponder still;
The wise won’t waste their precious time in doubt;
Reveal in His own time most things, God will!
No one can delve in any field to depths;
God made each creature with a perfect touch;
According to our labor, yield results;
The human brain has limitations much.
There is no point in thinking endlessly;
Our time on earth is finite and too short;
Our duty must be done most selflessly;
Our days of life are leased by God, not bought!
So, spend your days most usefully, O man!
To change our destiny, only God can!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 6-8-2006
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: We Need God’s Blessings
What human agencies achieve is small;
Our Life's experience proves this point clearly;
And tho' this is a fact, well-known to all,
Yet, Men believe in human strength merely.
Most things that happen, we can't reason why;
And when they occur, no one can predict;
A few wise-men and soothsayers do try;
Their own statements, they often contradict.
The things destined by God, none can avoid;
His queries to each man, none can evade;
Unbless’d, man's labor remains null and void;
His glory and achievements also fade.
The man who wins God's Mercy- will not sin;
The man who pins his hopes on God- will win!
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: The Hand of God
Our human endeavors don’t last for long;
The world today is imperfect to core;
Most people live ignoring right or wrong;
Devils bring strife to every home and door!
When things go awry, justice gets delayed,
When things are chaotic and bothersome,
When innocent citizens get waylaid,
The God our Lord will not remain still dumb!
The Hand of God can shield us from life’s storms;
The Hand of God can give punishments stern;
The Hand of God protects all living forms;
The Hand of God, much more than suns can burn!
Some things, no human courts can ev’r resolve;
All matters, Almighty can always solve!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-3-2006
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!