| Grace and Glory |
| We thought there should be a photo, at least. |
| So, we pleaded ... with broken hearts, too. |
| Just one shot of the twins, with Mother, |
| Who was worn from the labor, we knew. |
| It was dismal and dull, and the times were hard; |
| Not enough work to go around. |
| These were the last, the hardest of all. |
| Now, one must go in the ground. |
| Mama was old for a baby at all, |
| Let alone identical twins. |
| "No wonder we lost him, no wonder!" we said. |
| Her face was pale and grim. |
| So, we laid little babies, one on each side, |
| And we dreamed of what might have been. |
| We all cried a little. But, her tears came down |
| Like a rushing, o'erflowing, stream! |
| There were things to do. A few brought food. |
| Then, the church people came and said |
| They were sorry, no services in the church, |
| For the tithe had not been paid. |
| For the rest of my life, I've carried the look |
| In my mind on mama's face! |
| Sometimes, these 'religious' ones make it hard |
| To understand 'Loving Grace'. |
| It's straightened out, now, and I do not hold |
| Any grudge against any man. |
| But, I've studied the likes of Jesus and find |
| He's certainly not like that band! |
| Jesus would comfort and, maybe, weep, too. |
| Jesus would dry her tears. |
| He might even give her a glimpse of Heaven, |
| Simply to soothe her cares. |
| Mama had given so much of herself, |
| Always a smile and a cheer. |
| Mama was more like the Savior, that day, |
| Than any revealed all these years. |
| Now, they've all gone to Heaven and I'm growing old. |
| I'll join them before very long. |
| By the Grace of God, only, I'll find them all there; |
| Singing a heavenly song. |
| As long as I have, I'll study His Word |
| So I can be more like Him. |
| For, God in His Heaven, knows very well |
| I never want to be like them! |
| © 2002 by Joan Clifton Costner |
| Other poems by Joan Clifton Costner A large collection of poems, submitted by Joan Clifton Costner |
| The Poem Library Contents Page |