as I sit beside and ponder
all the things that make up you,
the things you have done, your
accomplishments both small
and tremendous,

yet it’s the essence of who you
ARE that has mattered.

you have made a difference
to so many, going above and
beyond and always wearing
the face of the one whose
name you represent faithful,

and I want to be more like you.
in fact, if I have a hero here upon
this earth, you are one of these.

and now that your heart is tired
and your breathing will soon slow
i find that in this I want to be like
you as well—-

for what will your eyes not long see,

what faces will you encounter, what
sights will you behold?

and it will not be long until you hear
the words, “well done,” spoken loud
and long, and then you can fold into
the arms of the one who will never
let you go.

Heather Pound 2023

Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash