Death on Highway 12
For James Gilman, c. 1970
“Among your saints give rest, O Christ,
To the souls of your servants
In a place where there is no pain or sorrow or grief
But only life everlasting.
May his memory be eternal.”
Memorial Hymn of the Greek Orthodox Church
In the white bed
Between the lanes
Wrapped in a black overcoat
A boy lies dead.
In Christmas thoughts
Hurrying across the lanes
A hiss of air
A muffled noise
Some metal distorted
A thud
A fall
A last breath.
The lights on the Christmas tree
Dimmer tonight.
A life
A Dream
All memories to cling to dearly.
This story is told by the howling wind
And smudges on the snow
My heart is made of sorrow.
Amen.
Categories:
gilman, child, death, religion, sorrow,
Form: Elegy
They don't have much as that much is clear
Just the knowing of such can bring a tear
Those sad looking eyes only filled with neglect
Those constant cries as I sit here and reflect
There clothes so worn and shoes with holes
Facing society's scorn these poor tattered souls
Each day being a fight in just trying to survive
Only there God given might is keeping them alive
Yet now I see it even more being so prevalent today
There is so much war and we all really need to pray
Not just for yourself for you are doing relatively fine
You have your health and it's regularly that you dine
Look at those who have not, who suffer every day
Then look what you got, a pretty comfortable stay
Just a reminder to all who will read what I write
Begin to listen for His Call and soon you'll see His Light
Billy Gilman "One Voice"
Categories:
gilman, appreciation, war, world,
Form: Rhyme