Simple Men
I have held the hand of sorrow
unable to comprehend its pain,
shared a sandwich with a beggar
offered respite from the rain
stood my turn as sentry
guarding our open gate
secure in Milton’s promise
“they also serve who stand and wait”.
I have turned the other cheek
forever gentle, never meek
listened as the mindless spoke
preserved their right to speak,
built the rising city’s towers
imbued the brick and steel.
Held a child in infancy
made mud pies shaped like hearts
stifled tears as others cried
at lives seemed torn apart.
My hands, grown calloused,
still reach to touch
the simple joys
beyond Life’s rush
of smiling eyes and gentle hands
that made - and altered - future plans.
I have held the hand of sorrow
moved past it through each morrow
sought the sunshine of each day
for simple men – that is their way.
John G. Lawless
4/14/2015
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