When Did Young Hap Turn Gray

This was for a friend named Hap. I've known him for over thirty years. It's awfully clunky and may be hard to read but I like it. I'm not so sure I like getting older though, AARP card notwithstanding.

 

It seems that only months have passed

since I was a boy of 21

When I met a preacher on the job

who said “it’s the Holy Spirit you’re feelin’ son”

That’s when the fast track started.

God began to teach His ways

But there’s one thing that just escapes me...

when did young Hap turn gray?

 

And when did this arthritis

settle in both knees?

Was it after I got these glasses

to help find my hearing aid batteries?

I guess it doesn’t matter now

'cause the years seem more like days

But I wish I could remember

when young Hap turned gray

 

The other night at Bible Study

I turned ‘round to hear a saint

And I noticed my good friend Loran

seems like he moved here yesterday

Beside him, his dear wife Connie

and the thought occurred to me

If I’d known then that God would tarry so

I would’ve asked for the extended warranty

 

And in the back row sat Jim Phillips

I recall when we first met

His soul was starved and hungry

God hadn’t filled him yet

But Jim answered his Lord’s bidding

at an altar built by hand

When I look at him I still see young Jim

and I thank God for His plan

 

So the years we’ve spent with God’s servants sent

on balance have been so sweet

Through battles untold young saints have grown old

but our work is nearly complete

And though we may seem impatient

we’ll wait here and watch and pray

'til God calls us home where we’ll know as we’re known

and young Hap will no longer be gray

Reviews

[Emily B]

We turn around and turn around and here we are. Older than we ever expected to me. It sneaks up on us just that fast.

[Bhavya Kaushik]

Beautifully written. A very mature and deep piece.
Thanks for sharing it here.