The Historian
The Historian searches the evidence for truth, diligently.
What merit in the study of old bones and pots- what
Worth perceiving how societies and cultures developed?
What value do we place on the work of the those
Who seek understanding of antiquity?
The “ologists” of science endeavor to relate modernity
To former diversity.
Knowledge relevant to the present, derived from the
Ancient Sumerians,Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans-
Who were God’s first historians and what, to them, do we owe?
What if the scribes, recorders, chroniclers, poets of scripture
Had not been inspired to write?
Would we grasp the awesomeness of His creation? His loving and just engagement with human beings?
From each generation arise those who tell history, through oral tradition or written word, so that the next generation can know.
If true that “all history is local,”
Who heeds the call of the Historian?
The ones who find pleasure
In digging up and digging through
Chronicles, journals, archives, tombstones, and other written treasures?
The Historian claims the journey a joy beyond measure.
Who selects the family’s keeper of the past?
Surely it is the One who gives passions to those while still in the womb.
Look for the one who loves to immerse oneself deeply
In the old stories-
Stories rehearsed each year at the family table.
The one who loves to traverse the memories of
Great-granddad’s mother’s diary to better define
What immigration meant at the age of nine?
Diaries and letters, medical records and legal documents
Newspapers and photos- can leave the readers slack-jawed
Secrets revealed. Surprise!
Inaccuracies remain a mystery at times.
Stories are human, and humans are flawed.
Historians hope to see beyond the bias.
Copyright 2026 Michelle Waters
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