Renewal

Memories from long ago, unfaded,

Brought back when two souls touched yet again,

Gave light to one, a friend, unforgotten,

By which to take journey on an uncertain trail.

 

The traveler, a son — grief-stricken, burdened,

The second, a daughter — wise, kind, forgiving.

“Thou art royalty,” she gently whispered,

“And my prayers are with thee always.” (1)

 

“I know that voice,” thought the traveler.

Tears fell like a deep-watering, life-giving rain.

“It is Mother’s (2) voice, heard through her daughter.”

Uplifted, courage taken, the son — a friend remembered —

Renewed his journey.

 

William Mason

September 23, 2006

1 Although these words are not the precise words used, the ideas behind them were expressed to me by a close friend on the day the poem was written.

2 Snow, Eliza R. (1804-1887), and McGranahan, James (1840-1907). “O My Father” [Musical composition]. Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985. Hymn 292, Verse 3. Mother refers to the belief that families constitute the order Heaven for God and all of his children, and are therefore eternal.