a poem by Glenn R. Whicker, October 2003

 

I have a little sister

Who goes by 'Rachie Mae,'

She's quite the little pun'kin

Most every single day.

 

She was a gift from heaven

When I had just turned 10,

I thought she was quite pretty

Even so small back then.

 

She always was quite 'nervy'

From the day she was born

They'd itch, pop and keep her up

"Sleep - what's that?" Mom would mourn!

 

Silky nightgowns were all the rage

She must have worn them in heaven,

'Cause she had to have one near

Until she was seven!

 

She's always been the tough one,

The going, it got rough.

But Rachael never murmurs,

She's made of real good stuff!

 

I don't know how to tell her

I love her oh, so much!

I wish that I could be there

To hold her hand and touch.

 

But since her skin's been blistered

I'm sure the touch would hurt -

You see she was a fryer

And got her skin real burnt.

 

They say our God has reserved

High Heaven's mighty spire

For those who've been found yielding

To the refiner's fire.

 

Well here's one gal, I tell ya

Who's answered every call -

I guess she took it lit'ral

And got right on the ball.

 

I hear it wasn't much fun

To go through such a fire;

But look how refined she is -

The strength she did acquire.

 

She now feels so much better

After this latest test

Dross has been burned outta her

She's come thru with more zest.

 

 

I hope she'll now be happy

'Bout how she has survived

And keep her life more simple

So bod and soul can thrive.

 

 

I make one point dear sister

With earnest thoughtfulness;

You need not think me stupid -

This concept I must stress:

 

 

When God said, in His wisdom,

"If thine eye offend thee,

Pluck it from its socket..."

Listen to my strong plea -

 

He means that it's your spirit

Should be in control at all time.

So please don't poke your eye out -

It makes one oh, so blind!

 

Don't take it all so lit'ral,

I pray, my dear good friend.

Look deeper for the meaning -

Much better in the end!