Here

The heartbreak in this town
Echoes with your name,
And the rain that fell all day long,
On the day He took you Home
Could never compare to our
Collective tears.

Are you there?
Because you are no longer here.
But at the St Jude altar you are still here.

You embraced this church family,
Raised up our hearts,
As we raised our children
Whom you baptized at the font.
All your beloved children,
Proud to call you their Father.

Are you there?
Because you are no longer here.
But beside every one in every pew,
   In the nave, you are still here.

That you were called Home at long last
And yet sadly much too soon.
You weren't ready to go, still much to do.
Some things can find no reason,
Yet we struggle to say goodbye
To the legacy you were in this place.

Are you there?
Because you are no longer here.
But in every prayer, every Mass,
Always, you are still here.

12.10.14
©Kerri L. Stanley