YOU BESIDE ME

The wrinkled old woman dropped her gaze from the sky,

Grateful for another day so soon gone by.

Her coat was tattered; her shoes worn and holey,

Her shelter a box on its side in an alley.

Inside, one bowl, grimy mattress and thin blanket.

Gently, she pulled a small Bible from her pocket,

Stroked it and said, Dear Lord, you let not the day end

Without turning a stranger into a friend.

Thrice you guided others with food to fill my bowl.

Thank you for nourishing both my body and soul.

I've known material wealth, yet was poor in heart.

Friends were but strangers playing the part.

Then bit by bit those riches came to an end,

And those strangers stopped playing the part of friends.

During my journey through loss of wealth and home,

You taught me that with you I'm not poor, nor alone.

Possessions turn to ashes, are soul binding chains,

Naught but your glory lasts and now over me reigns.

I've happiness never known before I met thee.

Praise you, Lord, for the richness of you beside me.

© 2000 by Elsie J Doll
Used with Permission


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