I Could Have Loved You...

I could have loved you, World, with all you have to give,
Pleasures far beyond, the mere essentials just to live.
With Your promises of comfort, treasure, wealth and fame,
You almost lured me in, with your sly seductive game

I could have loved your looks, for you were dressed to kill,
Adorned with fancy-ware; an escapade of thrills.
For everywhere I turned, there were flashy stores and signs,
Whispering, just come, and experience what you find.

I could have loved your ways, of self-esteem and pride,
Lavishing all that you bestow, to fill the void inside,
Offering desires, lust, and power, to hold me in your trance,
And once you served up riches, I hardly had a chance.

I was mesmerized and captured, as you cast your wicked spell,
To make me think that I was happy, in what really seemed like hell,
Every temporal thing, was placed at my disposal,
To bind me to yourself; your fraudulent proposal.

Yes, I could have loved you, World, but another took your place,
He fills me with pure joy, as I gaze upon His face.
He may not give me showy things, to satisfy my whims,
But, oh what inner peace I have, just to be with Him!

He's more than worldly riches, and more than simple pleasure,
He loves me with His heart, for I am His cherished treasure!
Delivering me from sin, now held by His embrace,
Yes, I could have loved you, World, but Jesus took your place!!!

Mark 8:36
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

This poem won first place for the October 2009 poetry contest