WHICH ONE
Some years ago I heard of a very sad tale told,
Of a choice a father had to make, this I’ll unfold,
Then as you read it think of the heartache and pain,
With the choice a father had to make, a soul to reclaim.
He had two grown sons both as different as could be,
One was good and kind, full of love and sweet charity,
The other was selfish, cunning, with many evil ways,
One had a happy family, the other wasted all his days.
There was a family gathering, both sons were in the barn,
Working together neither thinking they’d come to harm,
When lightening struck the barn it started a roaring fire,
The situation in that burning barn was indeed very dire.
Smoke and flames engulfed the place, all were afraid,
Dad rushed in, at least to one he could give some aid,
But which one should he help first out of that barn?
Maybe he would have time to save both sons from harm.
Family and friends tried to quell the blazing flames,
Others tried to go inside saving them was their aim,
Out staggered the father carrying one precious son,
Which son was saved? Which son’s life was now done?
Just as he cleared the building down the structure fell,
Everyone’s heart was broken, they all seemed in a spell,
The wife and the children of the good son dared not look,
Happiness was dashed, for the other son the father took.
“Why save him” they screamed! What good did he ever do?
A father’s heart breaking explained what they all really knew,
This son needed another chance for heaven to try and gain,
For if he had died there would be even more grief and pain.
“Your husband was a treasure on the way to heaven above,
He knew that his brother should leave first, his deep love
Showed as he pointed, “Dad please take our dear Bill,
Let him come to know of God’s great love and His will.”
I often wondered if that son ever changed his ways,
A second chance can’t be wasted, then a day of days,
The father introduced me to a bishop with a happy family,
And by the burn scars on each face, I knew it was he.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson February 21, 2003