July 20-21, 2025

To Harry N.

Pastor Russ spoke on faith and works yesterday

showing from James how our actions

are the facts that underlie our words

proving, or disproving, what is said

for what is

and I thought of you, seated before me

I first met you on a year ago Sunday

have since become your friend

you have since become mine

our Sunday morning chats

or occasional weekday coffees

are times that I look forward to

(I pray that these times continue

as long as God grants us breath)

I have learned much of you

since first seeing you last year

but all I needed to know of you

I learned on that very first Sunday

seeing smiles on everyone you met

seeing her hand enclosed in yours

seeing your face rejoicing in His praise

how could I not know what you were

seeing such proof of it in all you did

how could I not rejoice that this year

has proven all I saw of you that first day