Jan 2019
A little angel winks from up above,
The littlest fireman in God’s domain,
Bathed in God’s Grace, covered with His love,
Untouched by earthly cares, worries, or pain.
Too soon your race was done, Devon, dear child,
Only five summers’ suns warmed your sweet face,
And yet you brought much joy for one so mild,
To all who knew your smile, felt your embrace.
Tears mark your passing in a time too brief,
We wish God had less pressing need of you,
Your family struggles now to bear their grief,
Lord, grant them peace and strength their whole lives through.
Your spirit flies now high above the sky,
Lifted by love that will not, cannot die.
The littlest fireman in God’s domain,
Bathed in God’s Grace, covered with His love,
Untouched by earthly cares, worries, or pain.
Too soon your race was done, Devon, dear child,
Only five summers’ suns warmed your sweet face,
And yet you brought much joy for one so mild,
To all who knew your smile, felt your embrace.
Tears mark your passing in a time too brief,
We wish God had less pressing need of you,
Your family struggles now to bear their grief,
Lord, grant them peace and strength their whole lives through.
Your spirit flies now high above the sky,
Lifted by love that will not, cannot die.
From Of Pain and Ecstasy: Collected Poems. This sonnet was written on a sympathy card to a next door neighbor and friend whose grandson tragically died in his son's property by falling into an old well. He was five years old and fervently wanted to be a fire fighter like his dad, a decorated veteran firefighter. He was buried with his dad's commendation on his chest.
