We Stand Beneath You

I actually composed this poem back in 2004. It was written as a dedication to my grandfather; I was privileged to read it at his funeral. I found it as I was rummaging through my mother's things today, so I thought I'd share it with you...

With Love We Greet You, Grandpa, Our Patriarchal Tree
In Good Soil Were You Rooted, And So It Was With Me
We Fell From Godly Branches, The Fruit Of Faith And Prayer
Because You Were A Praying Man; I Know 'Cause I Was There

Oh Mighty Tree, In Seasons Fair You Shared With Us Your Light
We Also Watched You Weather Storms, And There We Saw Your Might
And Even On Your Darkest Day I Saw You Crack A Smile
That Let Me Know Our God Was Really With Us All The While

The Shuffle Of Your Leaves For Years Brought Comfort To This Shoot
The Way, I Think, The Songs of Birds Seemed To You As A Flute
You Used To Sit Right On The Porch And Close Your Weary Eyes
Get Right Back Up And Go Back To Your Tool Shed Of Supplies

You Shared Your Shade With Strangers, Raised Other People's Kids
Kept Eden In Your Backyard, Christ In Your Heart Was Hid
A Blissful 56 Years You Were Faithful To Your Wife
And Now Live On To See The Close Of Such A Vivid Life

Live On Unto Redemption, This Bark Has Withered Dry
For Only Those Who Don't Know God Can Ever Truly Die
We Stand Beneath You, Grandpa, Though You No Longer Stand
Your Presence In The Midst Of Us, Together Hand-In-Hand