by Ken Purscell
I heard his laugh before I heard the news,
But recognized who made that laugh and why:
He'd overcome their power to refuse
His ballot. Now his laugh could finally fly
Unhindered. Yes, there still was all the pain
Of truth to face. And reconciliation?
Never easy. Yet gentle as the rain,
He worked to foster healing to a nation.
But that one moment, joy sprang out in laughter
Because he’d laughed a thousand times before–
Despite the past behind, what might come after–
Holding tight the faith that was his core:
Christ’s mercy conquers every evil thing,
So even before the news arrives, we sing!
Ken Purscell is a retired retail cashier, adjunct professor, and preacher. He and his wife Koni live in the suburbs of Chicago. He still claims his greatest accomplishment is that he once made Victor Borge laugh.