The Prodigal Daughter

Rules:  Choose one of the following prompts for inspiration during the months of October/November:
(The whole prompt must be used in the poem and/or as the title.)


1. faulty art
2. stable heart
3. tasty morsel
4. sparse belongings
5. never count the cost
6. the jumble of my family clan
7. the blessing nobody borrows




Her sparse belongings fit in two brown paper bags.
She was down on her luck, all dressed in tattered rags.
The night was bitter cold.  Some said it looked like snow.
She searched for some place warm.  She had nowhere to go.

At thirty six years old so much of life she’d  lost.
Some placed the blame on her--none counted the cost.
No one thought to ask her what course caused this to be.
No one cared for her. Such a wretched hag was she.

She walked it seemed for miles.  For comfort she did search.
Then in the dim street light she came upon a church.
Though many years had passed since she had stepped inside,
she thought she would go in, but she had much to hide.

The room was very warm as she walked through the door.
She would rest a while then walk a little more.
She fell fast into sleep.  She dreamed of many things,
of her family lost and the pain that it still brings.

Only she had lived; was left to bear the sorrow.
She could not be alone; could not face tomorrow.
She thought it was her fault. She had been the driver.
Although this wasn’t true, she was sole survivor.

She had then turned to drugs; lost every thing she had.
She lived out on the street, alone and very sad.
Her good health was now gone. She had no stable heart.
There's naught left for to live. None cared if she’d depart.

Now while she rested there, came a still small voice.
It spoke soft and quiet, telling  of a choice.
A lifetime long ago, she had rejected sin.
She chose to follow God; there's many years since then.

Though she had gone astray He loved and loved her still.
He’d gladly take her back. His promise He’d fulfill.
They found her the next day, a smile upon her face.
In her hand the Book, turned to a special place.

For God so loved the world, that He gave it His son
Who died upon the cross, for each and every one.
All you have to do is simply in Him believe
He will your burdens take, and give you a reprieve.

Now in God’s hands she rests without worry or care.
And the very best part, she met her loved ones there.
They’ll spend eternity in happiness and love
Serving the one true God,  in Heaven up above.


40 lines