A Neighbor's Observation
Her driveway now is filled with cars
That yesterday was bare.
Long hours of solitude she spent
In one porch rocking chair.
The sons she raised with sweat and toil
Had seldom crossed her door.
I saw them in her yard today,
Her heart's desire, all four!
She called me often through the years,
Confessed her loneliness.
Said, "Don't think I'm complaining,"
"For God has truly blessed."
Through years the friends quit coming round,
Each living to himself.
So there she sat, a Godly soul,
Alone, confused, bereft.
This morning neighbors filtered in,
As after months they came.
Each had a tale of friendship sweet,
And praised her saintly name.
The table strained with food folks brought,
(For years SHE ate alone.)
But casseroles, and eggs, and meats
They piled until it groaned.
I wonder if they understood--
Those church folk and her friends,
That if they'd come just one week past
Oh, what a difference!?
I watched the truth unfold in view,
A lauding accolade.
Too bad she can't enjoy it.
We buried her today.
Author's Notes/Comments:
I lost a dear neighbor Tuesday morning. She died in her sleep, just didn't wake up. One Saturday night her house burned to the ground and Sunday morning she was sitting right in the same spot in church, borrowed dress, hands raised in praise and thanking God that her family had been spared...the soot still in her white hair. When will we ever learn that our old folks are precious to us and need to be enjoyed and loved? She always said, "I'll live and die with Jesus." I keep telling myself that she wasn't alone Tuesday night. Jesus was there.
Jessica:
How very true this is. We all assume are loved ones will live forever-that we can visit them "another day". But no one lives forever and we must all stop and appreciate all the beauty love and friendships we all have for it can be taken away from us all in a heartbeat. Thank you Jessica for sharing this beautiful and inspirational poem with me and please take care.Have a very beautiful weekend.
Regards,
Dave Richardson
10/23/03