God’s Porch Light

It was the first Friday in February, 1996.
I walked out in the front yard at ten after six.
It was a cold winter day just before the rising of the sun.
My mother’s life here on earth was finally over and done.

I saw but one star, all alone in the early morning sky.
I could see it shining bright, though my eyes were not yet dry.
It seemed to be hanging there, just for me to see.
It twinkled on the frost, that now covered every tree.

It was quite majestic and comforting, I wondered how this could be.
It looked like a distant porch light, that someone left on just for me.
As my eyes began to focus on this beautiful guiding light.
I could see my name appear, then it was gone, just like the night.

I see this star each year, on the day of Mom’s final breath.
It’s a simple message from Jesus, of life right after death.
My name is on this star, it lights my path each night I roam.
Maybe it’s the porch light of our savior and he turns it on to guide us home.

Mark Koplin