A Gift of Hope

With tired feet and tattered clothes

He wondered into a town
Not expecting much of life
When life had let him down.
 
He didn’t search to see a smile
Believing none were there.
He’d even lost his faith in God,
To the depth of his despair.
 
He wondered past a little church
On a hidden avenue
And didn’t notice someone rise
As he came into view.
 
An ancient man rose from the steps
And said, “Come rest a while.”
At first afraid, he soon relaxed
As he saw the old man’s smile.
 
He sat upon those dusty steps
And let the old man talk.
“Son, I know how tired you are.
I see the way you walk.”
 
The old man took his tired feet
And removed his worn out shoes
Then touched bare feet with gentle hands
That brushed each angry bruise.
 
The young man hung his head in shame
And tried to pull away.
The old man told him quietly,
“Son, I wish that you would stay.”
 
He gave the young man food and drink
And a quiet place to rest.
But, more than that, gave him hope
And that gift was the best!
 
© 2012  Pam H. Murray