But for a photo
Neither of you will remember
That day in front of Maranatha Baptist Church—
He, because he had held so many babies,
And you were one of many in
Such a long and layered life.
And you, because you were so new
That your life was in the moment.
But we others there rejoiced
How he reached out to hold you,
The aged hands against your soft ones,
His white hair in contrast to your brown,
His wide smile at your
Wide eyes.
You did not know then
How we traveled down the Georgia roads
Of open fields and flatter ground
Just to hear him teach
And to shake his hand,
Or that that this elder holding you
Had made each numbered day
In a long life count—
Sage, peacemaker,
Man of the earth,
Man of the people,
Who rolled up his sleeves
To work.
A little later, just a little later,
You will learn more about the man who
Showed the world how to live:
Use knowledge.
Have compassion.
Give.
Be present.
Be fair.
Have courage.
Care.
And with a photo we will begin:
There you are.
