Hymn

I missed your booming baritone today
While standing in the pews and singing hymns.

Your family was there, and I sang loud
Just like you would. It brought back memories

Of visiting the churches where you served,
Of standing next to you as you stood up,

Hands resting heavily on the pew in front.
I’d hold the hymnal up for both of us.

I sang “Amazing Grace” with you that day
Before I left. We were off-key, and you

Were out of breath, but still we sang it best.
You looked ahead, beyond me, past us all.

You glimpsed eternity. “We’ve no less days
To sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun.”

(Spring 2016)