| THE PHOTOGRAPH pg 2 |
| It looked to be a wooden box With brass hinges and a clasp Something about it seemed familiar But the memory slipped her grasp... More confused than ever, She started up the stairs to bed When all at once the elusive memory Popped suddenly into her head! She'd been a very tiny girl No more than six or seven She'd watched as Mom took from a shelf A box she had labeled Heaven... "What's in there Mama?" Lucy'd asked Her mother'd smiled but wouldn't say Just tucked some papers deep inside Then put the box away. Later on, she'd told the girl "Your Gramps carved that box of wood It's only for special treasures Like secrets and other goods!" Lucy flew back down the stairs Remembering just where she'd seen Her Mama hide the wooden box That contained her hopes and dreams.... With trembling fingers she held it now Lifted the antique lid to see A stack of papers...on top an envelope That just said .....POLICY... She took the pages out to read Spreading each of them apart Too afraid to even acknowledge The hope that sprang up in her heart In the event of both her parent's death No matter how or what age they were... They'd left this farm, the insurance And all they owned to her... It was enough to pay the tax arrears And three college educations She wept heart-felt tears of gratitude For her parent's dedication Then she fell down on her knees To thank the Lord in prayer If not for the heavenly angel in white She'd have never known it was there! Looking at the photograph once again She did a double take in surprise The shock and amazement on her face Could never have been disguised! |
For her mother's hands were folded They didn't hold a single thing!! Fingers intertwined together Showed only a wedding ring!! She felt the room begin to sway, But Mama's voice was crystal clear "Just be grateful & never breathe a word Of what has happened here..." Lucy lived to be a ripe old age Till late one winter's night She lay in bed and once more saw The lady of golden light... "Lucy dear, it's time to go" She extended a glowing hand But when Lucy looked toward the closet The angel seemed to understand... "Leave the box" she gently smiled "Your daughter will have her turn... When the time is right, some earthly bridges Were never meant to burn!" Dusty Richardson c 2001 |
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