| The Shoes My alarm went off -- it was Sunday again; I was tired -- it was my one day to sleep in. But the guilt I'd have felt for the rest of the day Would have been too much, I'd go; I'd pray. I showered and shaved, adjusted suit and tie Got there and swung into a pew just in time Bowing my head in humble prayer Before I closed my eyes I saw that the shoe of the man next to me Was touching my own and I sighed With plenty of room on the other side I thought "Why do our shoes have to touch?" It bothered me so; he was glued to my shoe But it didn't seem to bother him much Then the prayer began: "Heavenly Father" someone said-- But I thought "Does this man with the shoes have no pride? They were dusty, worn, scratched end to end What's worse there were holes on the side! "Thank you for blessings" the prayer went on The shoe man said a quiet "amen" I tried to focus on the prayer But my thoughts were on his shoes again Aren't we supposed to look our best Whebn walking through that door? "Well this certainly isn't it" I thought Glancing toward the floor Then the prayer ended and songs of praise began The shoe man was loud, sounding proud as he sang' He lifted the rafters his hands raised high The Lord surely heard his voice from the sky Then the offering was passed what I threw in was steep The shoe man reached into his pockets, so deep And I tried to see what he pulled out to put in Then I heard a soft "clink" as when silver hit tin The sermon bored me to tears-- And no lie-- It was the same for the shoe man For tears fell from his eyes At the end of the service, as is custom here We must greet the visitors and show them good cheer But I was moved inside to want to meet this man So after the closing I shook his hand He was old his skin dark his hair a mess I thanked him for coming for being our guest He said "My names Charlie, glad to meet you my friend" And there were tears in his eyes--but he had a wide grin "Let me explain" he said wiping his eyes "I've been coming for months, and your the first to say "hi" I know I don't like all the rest But I always try to look my best" "I polish my shoes before my long walk But by the time I get here they're as dirty as chalk My heart fell to my knees but I held back my tears He continued, " And I must apologize for sitting so near But I know when I here I must look a sight And I thought...if I touched you our souls might unite I was silent for a moment knowing anything I said Would pale in comparison so I spoke from my heart not my head "Oh you've touched me" I said "And taught me in part That the best of a man is what's in his heart. The rest I thought this man will never know.... *April Terry Brent Alexandre ^O^, and Adriana Marie's mommie |
| An Angel Found (Answers) I was alone for so many years I searched for a face seen only in my heart Seems I cried a million tears I searched for you knowing we'd never part I only saw you in my dreams You were as an angel I feared I'd never meet Only a fantasy or so it seems Holding you was the odds I could never beat Now you are in my life In your arms I feel I am in an angels wings Once pain cut like a knife But today you are the reason my heart sings I see Heaven in your smile You must be the miracle and angel I longed for Your eyes show a gentle style You are the answers to questions I ask no more You are an angel I have found tattered and worn very much the same as I Hush my angel make not a sound let me kiss you once and never say good-bye *Author unknown |
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