You were just a boy
when you came to us—
a gentle soul—
an artist—
with a big smile.
We gave you food and water
and let you feast your eyes
on blue skies,
stone mountains,
flowered meadows.
We led you to the
gates of life,
unlocked them,
pushed them back
on creaking hinges,
just for you.
And you smiled—
that warm,
sunshiny,
happy smile of yours—
the same smile
I saw just now
when you kissed death,
let him take your hand
and lead you into shadowlands.
And I don’t know what to do,
paralyzed in this beautiful life
that God meant for you,
watching you go,
praying you’ll come back,
knowing that smiles don’t last
with the dead.
Gratefully His 