WORD : you kill me

Sent: 9/23/2004 12:25 PM


you kill me
slaughter me
leave me for the wild birds
that will eat my flesh
and drink my blood

you kill me
slaughter me
leave me alone against stone
piercing my skin
irrigating my back

you kill me
slaughter me
leave me as some animal
knowing not my name
ignoring my Love

you kill me
slaughter me
sacrifice me to God
when He isn't asking for one
It's already been done

yet you kill me
slaughter me
for my lack of perfection
to which we're all subjected
gutting my grace

this is my place
still allow me the prayer
for escape.

WORD : momentary lapse

Sent: 9/14/2004 7:38 PM


my mind is a barren cage
from which my canaries have taken flight
to sing for more fulfilling grains
than what i cast tonight

my heart is an empty vessel
from which inspiration has been drained
pricked in fearing my expectancy
that drought precedes the rain

my page is absent meaning
mere transparency on display
in cliché images as definitions
summing the nothing i loathe to say

alas

my life is full of these moments
and often times others with riches
nevertheless i still feel frustrated
by these economically challenged glitches

WORD : return

Sent: 8/5/2004 11:32 PM

I have not disappeared altogether, although it might seem that way. I have been experiencing a lot, dealing with a lot, feeling a lot, discerning a lot. I don't know that I've come to any major conclusions, but I do know that I will be writing again soon, and that's a good thing. We will see what it produces. It may be something other than what you expect, yet it will be me. Poetry, for me, has seem to taken a passenger seat for the moment. Nevertheless, truth is what you will find no matter what. So here's to my return!

WORD : said Hazel to me

Sent: 6/3/2004 8:46 PM


what did you see
a tunnel, a bridge, a tree
said Hazel to me

WORD : cry

Sent: 6/3/2004 8:45 PM


dear God
these are days
that i hate me
those were ways
that degrade me
too much paid
to forsake Thee

and I
despise me

cry

WORD : bumblebee

Sent: 6/3/2004 8:44 PM


thursday evening in wee hour
i awoken to a tickling of my hair
sweeping through with my fingertips
it was a bumblebee I found there

friday evening arriving home
i discovered a bouquet of flowers
given in love and appreciation
it all made sense of God's Power

WORD : helping anti-helpees

Sent: 5/26/2004 10:18 PM

She was walking down the steps from Low Library when she tripped on her high heel and fell out at the bottom step. Her friend spun round to try to catch her, and when she couldn't, she offered her hand to help her from the concrete. Both of them were shocked by the mishap, and yet the friend pulled the other to her feet, and with a quick turn of the shoe, they were both back standing, laughing, and walking towards their prior destination.

I have offered my hand to a friend as of late. He seems to have fallen and seems to be seeking some help in getting back up, yet no matter how much I plead and beg for him to take my hand, he seems to remain somewhat content in his moaning on the concrete, in his despair in that he has stumbled. He hears my hope. He sees my help. But he refuses it all adamantly. So what does one do when he has a friend in such a circumstance? How long does one wait patiently with his hand outreached to his friend, offering encouragement, offering help, only to find the other so consumed with the scrapes and bruises that he simply ignores any positivity rippling towards him? And truly, it does seem so unfortunate for both of us that when he does reach out his hand to mine, rather than letting me pull him upwards, he feels inclined to pull me towards the ground. It's all too profound.

So you may lie here if you like. I cannot tell for you what is right. Nevertheless, my destination is urgently calling, so I must continue on with my plight. Therefore, please forgive me if I leave you here. I am only human; it is only Christ Who can cease your tears. Realize God will save you from your falling.

And for me, He beckons me to stop my stalling.

So on I must go.

WORD : broken shatters

Sent: 5/22/2004 11:40 PM

There is a weariness that has fallen onto my life as of late. I don't really know how to describe it or where it has come from, but, alas, it is here, and I find myself tired and somewhat lacking in hope. This is a personal lacking, a lacking in hope for me, and I pray continually that it will change, that God will fill me once again, and that I will soon move foward with confidence and encouragement. As I walk a long tunnel from the street to the subway, along the ground are shattered pieces of broken glass, reminding me of how I am feeling just now, shattered and broken. The routine of my days bores me and leaves me feeling unchanged, while little blows and mistakes step on my fragments, splintering them into more and more pieces. I pray for help and mending.

WORD : life dreams

Sent: 5/25/2004 1:07 PM

I have been waking in anxiety from a reoccurring dream as of late. I open my eyes, my breath short, my eyes filled with tears, and it takes a few moments before I realize that it was just a dream. Although the situations of the dreams differ in some respects, the overall theme of the dream seems to remain consistent. I am in school. Some of the dreams are of high school, not my specific high school, but the feeling that I am in high school all over again in a different place, a different circumstance. Then, some of the dreams are of college, sometimes Harding University where I attended, sometimes a different university altogether. For various reasons within the dreams, I miss classes and miss exams. I'm either running here or there or attending to something I feel is more important. Nevertheless, even in all my scurry, there is a knowing that I am absent from those things needed for me to succeed, for me to graduate. However, still I miss, and while doing so, I find myself filled with grieving worry and tortuous anxiety that I am to fail.

Lately, I've started wondering if this has something to do with my life. I wonder if I am missing important things, lacking important motivation, neglecting important aspirations, and, in turn, am surely to fail in this life. I pray and pray for clarity, for God to offer me some guidance on what it is I am lacking, what it is I should be seeking, what it is that I am called to do. And while I think I might understand His subtle direction, I have no idea how to get there which causes me to wonder if it is His will at all? Where is the class being held? Where is the test I should take? I cry out for His help, but I hear only the echo of my own voice across the canyon. I wonder if God is tired of answering me, is close to giving up on me, as perhaps I haven't been really listening, or if I have, haven't taken the initiative to do His will for my life. That's all I've ever prayed: Whatever You want for me God, is what I want for me. But what does He want? Do I know? And if I do, how do I move forward towards it? I am perplexed, scared, and filled with anxiety. Time is passing me by and as my wheels are not turning, I look out the window thinking that I am moving backwards.

Oh dear Lord, help me!

WORD : AIDS Walk 2004

Sent: 5/25/2004 11:42 AM

On May 16, 2004, my good friend, John, and I walked with The Riverside Church's team in the AIDS Walk here in New York City, a 6 mile walk to benefit GMHC and other organizations fighting AIDS across the world. It was a momentous occasion, and one that was quite joyful, being the first time that either of us had walked for such. Overall, the AIDS walk raised over 5 million dollars, a million more dollars than last years walk, and The Riverside Church's team raised over $5,000. It was a WONDERFUL day and event!

WORD : loneliness & love in the afternoon

Sent: 5/23/2004 9:17 PM

Today, we marched across the Brooklyn Bridge for Marriage Equality. It was a beautiful day. The sun was beaming through clouds, and the breezes across the river cooled our bodies. Everyone involved was filled with enthusiasm as we waved our signs and banners hoping someone out there would hear our voices, understand, and offer support of our small minority. We laughed and joked along the way, made new friends, and pressed forward to Battery City Park for a small rally where we were greeted by politicians and activists sharing our vision of what true equality really is. As I sat on the grass in the shadow of a large tree, I looked upon the many faces that were there. So many couples holding hands sat across the lawn, and my heart knotted in the lonely realization that I was there fighting for something that I didn’t know if I would ever see in my lifetime. Again I found myself wondering if a relationship would ever be a part of my earthly fortune, as I have remained single for such a long time, my entire life it would seem, except for the few fleeting romances that I have had the happiness of sharing. Yet those romances within the look of time seem mere blinkings of my eyes compared to the cold, long stare of loneliness which seems to never divert its gaze from me. Alas and nevertheless, when again looking at those couples who have found such companionship, such love here, my selfish jealousy took flight, and I passionately felt again why I am committed to this noble cause, for in contrast to my lacking, their finding their loves of lifetimes should absolutely be celebrated and certainly not condemned. For if I was to find such love, no people, society or laws could keep me from declaring it to the world. As that is my hope for me, it remains my hope for all.

WORD : war war

Sent: 5/1/2004 8:25 PM


war war
such a sore
and yet people say
without war
it'd be a bore
without fighting
where's the entertaining
the fun debating
the emotions raging
all the playing

war war
what's it for
and yet people say
for freedom
for God's Kingdom
on both sides of the fence
human lives spent
they rage and vent
it's for freedom
ignorant that it lives within

war war
at it's core
people assimilate
to the same
ignoring their own name
their individuality unclaimed
to one side they stand
contrary to His command
Love others
no matter what land
they don't understand

war war
what gore
horrendous no matter season
cause there's absolutely no reason
in the 21st century we're believing
your mom or dad or sister or brother
friend kinfolk family lover
on either side the fence
should die at the expense
of what Christ already did
for you

it's true
He gave you freedom
Forgiveness is your mission
true too

listen

war war
what's in store
people want it to continue
the slaughter really within you
struggling in sleep's chains
afraid for their beyond today
when it's really quite plain
that all their plans planning
could not even happen
just to have today
uncanny

war war
it's such a bore
and I honestly say
without war
we'd all soar
without mighting
and our love inviting
lives would be blooming
human energy zooming
true Love ruling
God's Peace Ensuing
from Christ in you
do

war war
according to lore
when the fight is finally over
and our ailing Earth Mother
seems unlikely to recover
and our sad children look around and wonder
what was all their war for
Jesus had already won
for each and every one
what was all the hate for
as we are truly all one
stunned
that Time was finally done

so no war no war

and hope

WORD : showers of blessings

Sent: 3/31/2004 8:41 PM

Dear All,

Today in New York City, the sky is gray, the air is chilled, and showers are falling, but honestly I don't mind in the least. I consider them showers of great blessings, for God is SO GOOD! He's so good to me. =)

I am so Heavenly blessed to report that within the last three days after sending you my e-mail "down to the wire", I have found an apartment, signed a lease, and received the keys to my new little one bedroom pad near the Cloisters. In a kind of whirlwind, I will be moving this weekend, and will be so happy to be settled in my new place by Easter. Yet another chapter of my life is breathing its last breaths, while another is being revived anew. It's a wonderful life. I'm ever so thankful, and I give God all the thanks and glory.

Thank you to all of you who had your eyes open for me in looking! I'm so appreciative. And thank you to all of you who were praying for me. I'm ever so grateful.

I send you tons and tons of Love!!!

xoxo
Love,
Chad

WORD : my key

Sent: 3/27/2004 5:49 PM


i traced your lips with my eyes
in my deep dream last nigh
i grazed your cheek with my fingertip
in that brief unconscious sip
of remembrance of our weeks of passion
our love shared before aborting the mission

i felt your warmth under my covers
in my dream that rediscovered
i drew you within my body and soul
before daylight the memory stole
of my longing for you all over again
but fantasies of once were I cannot depend

i dived deeply into your eyes of brown
in my dream of silent sounds
i poured my kisses upon your body
wishing for that time you caught me
when we swam within our fluid laughter
chancing a happily ever after

i licked my salty tears
in waking in lonely fear
i swallowed my lumped throat
as those hopes before afloat
sank when I opened my eyes to see
my key was no longer there with me

my love won't let go
i wish for you
the same was so

WORD : waking you

Sent: 3/22/2004 10:55 PM

I startle you, scare you, shake you to your core. I am the loud alarm throwing open your eyes, jolting your heart into a frantic beat, pinching at your every bed sore. I am roaring and shocking, to your every nerve electrifying. I am blaring me.

It's time to wake up.
The time for sleep is done.
You have slumbered enough.
You don't want to miss the sun.

I have tried to be kind, tried to be easy, tried to be quiet. I thought that in loving you, I shouldn't jar you from sleep in a commotion that seemed so piercingly defiant. So I was smooth and gentle, but rousing you wasn't that simple. I delicately murmured:

Please open your eyes.
It's time to wake up.
Tranquilly, you may rise.
You have slumbered enough.

But you turned over, you drooled, you began to snore. You wiped away the water I trickled, pushed away my hand that nudged you a little, detested me for refusing to let you sleep a little more. Coma held you captive, and to lethargy you had adapted. I could only swell.

It's time to wake up!
The time for sleep is done!
You have slumbered enough!
There is a war to be won!

So excuse my abrasive yell, my obtrusive rattle, my offensive tone. And finally, truly awaken to this my new tenacious, tough love thundering and roaring through your delicate, feeble comfort zone. Your unconsciousness shall quake, as with my blatant love you will wake.

I am blaring me.
I am blaring love.
Open your eyes to see
a screaming dove.

WORD : today

Sent: 3/21/2004 8:01 PM

Winds greeted me today as I walked out of the cathedral after church this afternoon heading home. The blow blew dust in my eye, and I tearfully shrugged my way to my temporary resting place. My apartment is soon to not be mine, and I wonder where I will eventually land, as I have grown so tired of being yet another leaf carried by the winds from one place to the next. It again brings these questions and doubts of my place, my position, here in New York City. I have no want to move elsewhere, and yet, there remains a dissatisfaction with my present circumstance. I feel my potential swell inside me, like a carbonated drink shaken by a small child, just waiting for someone to pop an opening so that I can spew forth in luscious bubbles, giggles, and satisfaction.

WORD : it's time

Sent: 3/17/2004 10:20 PM

Dear All,

Back in August 2003, I didn't see a lot of need to send this to you. I was naive, or perhaps ever hopeful, to think that it could, would, should ever come to this, and yet, here it is. Here is this moment when the world hangs in a very precarious balance of love and hate. Love seems breaking into a flow, though it's far away from fully so. Compassion begins flickering. All the while, hatred seems rapid from ocean to ocean. Violence is continually birthed. It's the moment America can be Christ's Nation, unconditionally loving of every individual voice, or a Pharisaical Empire enforcing a traditional "morality" absent of true spirituality. Ultimately, it is the moment that I must be me, and tell who I am. Perhaps you'll see from behind my eyes.

Some of you might not understand what it is like to live in a world where you are hated. And yet, many of you face it every single day, for whatever that reason society hates you. I am hated. For much of my life, I was hated by myself. Intensely. My childhood was filled with a deep, sorrowful loathsomeness for me being me. And ironic that it was because of what religion taught me. Should it be religion that would make a child want to die? To leave this life before it began because I was made "wrong"? Religion taught me much, but thank God the Holy Spirit enlightened me with the spiritual gifts of Wisdom and Grace.

Therefore, I am blessed to be gay. Honestly, I never thought that I would ever say that. And it's assuring that it now comes so easily. I am so truly blessed. This very hard journey has certainly been worth the amazing views. If it had ever been a choice, I had always said that I would never choose this; however, now at this moment, I would not change one thing. I thank God for some unanswered prayers.

Alas, even in my acceptance of myself, I do still live in this human society which detests me. Further, recently, more torrents of fuel have been poured on its fire of abhorrence. And this is why I write you, because at this very moment there is a violent attack on me and other gay and lesbian persons gaining a great deal of momentum and force. It is an attack, that if successful, would strip me of worth as a human being in the world's society because of who I happen to be. It is venomous hatred in utter ignorance. It is a movement using religion to damn me here on earth, nevertheless my afterlife. It is completely void of Love. It is judgment at its most evil. And it is NOT Christian.

They may say that my love of another is a horror. They can charge me with laws of nature. They do accuse me of being wicked. Yet love leads me as it always has. And God has taught me to stop trying to change that. He allows me to be me, just as I am. He'll never stop loving me. As He won't stop loving you.

As you can read, squelching this unjust movement is very important to me. And while I am not asking for you to become my advocates, although that is an ideal, I am needing and asking for your support and love. And if that perhaps is more than you are able at this time, more than anything, I do ask that when you are in the midst of all this talk, when words are thrown in blistering beats, stop and remember me for a moment. I am your family, your friend full of Love, and I am being persecuted. Every word spoken to oppress those that are like me also oppresses me. I beg you to pray to God before you join in speaking their rhythm. Change happens within, so I cry to your soul. From this mountaintop, I'm shouting from my heart to yours. I am Chad. Help me.

Below I have reprinted the letter I wrote to President Bush in August of 2003 when there was first mention of a Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. These are my thoughts on what is moving forward. Ultimately, you may agree or disagree, and I judge you not for your decision. Nevertheless, I do hope that you'll at least open your heart in attempts to understand.

I love you,

Chad

WORD : mud fight

Sent: 3/4/2004 11:58 PM


we're going to hate them both
the mud fight won't seem so fun
when they are stripped down to their truths
and are children in a sand box
only hoping to have won

they're really going to throw some toys
their tantrums will be long run
and we'll hate they hate each other
wishing they'd find that some
of anything other than fighting
the slinging being done

little leader just you tell me
and i might just perk up stunned
that you are actually talking to me
telling what you want for me
and not simply making fun
of the other one

so

please don't let us hate them both
let there be some good within Your sons
America is promised to be something beautiful
without good within the leader it is futile
we need Love here by the tons
to be Your Kingdom

either other
bless them Father

WORD : Harding called

Sent: 3/2/2004 8:59 PM

Harding University just called. Their student asked for "Mister Gurley," and I replied with, "This is he." Immediately he began into a speech of numbers and raised dollars amounts. I stopped him cold. "Before you go on, just tell me, how do you feel about gay marriage?" He was only silent for a half a moment. "I think it's wrong." I smiled to myself and said, "See, I don't think it is. That's why I can't offer anything to you today. I am sorry."

He was silent for a full moment. "Uh, okay, thank you, goodbye."

Gay alumni of Harding University. We're here.

WORD : I don't know where I am

Sent: 2/25/2004 9:11 PM

I don't know where I am. I've been working. Trying to keep up with the paperwork that flows in and out of my station. I've declined a date. On the count of being sick after marching for peace in frigid temperatures. I've been irritable. In missing time with a friend at a movie over being so stupidly me. I don't know where I am. I hear so much. I listen to what our leader says. Finding myself laughing. Discovering others rejoicing. Where am I?

This week has been a long one. I keep waiting for something to inspire me and give me some lift. Alas, I find myself still shoveling the garbage from the curb.

= Just a little purge.

WORD : my voice got lost

Sent: 2/25/2004 9:06 PM


my voice got lost in my shirt
as i pulled it over my head
and i wondered if anyone
had heard what i said

there was a muffle
but not much of a statement
a ruffle of the shirt
but nothing that hit the pavement

i wanted to repeat it
but unfortunately it was gone
there was something i was saying
but the shirt did it done

perhaps it was a blessing
you didn't hear my muffled voice
perhaps i had said something
that would have altered your choice

my voice got lost in my shirt
by grace, no one was hurt

WORD : a day in the life

Sent: 2/25/2004 8:54 PM

Life is up and down, outside inside, inside outside, topsy turvy. As I walked home from work today, I noticed that the moon is back out in view. I always miss it when it is gone. It's like a comforting bright light in the night for me. It seems to help me see my way, and when it is new and hidden behind the shadow, it always seems to affect me. I'm not sure if this is astrological or just my perception; nevertheless, it is.

I found out this afternoon that I will have to find a new place to live in two months. My landlord has sold our building and is generous in giving me time to find a new home. Although I'm not worried and do trust that God has a place in store for me, I can't help but feel melancholy as I do love this little place so much. It is hard to be uprooted yet again, and it does call into question just what I'm doing here in New York City.

I have this overwhelming feeling that I am to be here and that everything is as it should be, but impatience overwhelms me, and I keep wondering and asking, just when are things going to start moving more quickly in my life. When will I find that happiness that I seem to have sought all my life. Am I getting any closer? I hope so. I pray so.

Ironic that on the day of my mom and dad's wedding anniversary, President Bush declared that I shouldn't be allowed one. The present government frustrates me and causes much despair for me when thinking of those persons that will follow me in time if everything is to remain as it is. Poor human beings. After so much time and so much suffering, one would think that we, as a complete body, would learn. Alas, I'm afriad we are learning all the wrong things.

These are my thoughts today. Perhaps they aren't the most poetic. My voice has been muted. Hopefully soon I will be given the strength and encouragement to speak again. Again, I pray so.

WORD : little cute sweet america

Sent: 2/15/2004 10:49 PM


little cute sweet america
is about to take a lickin'
from her european sisters
who found her out
about that wolf
that wasn't even there
she's just making everybody scared
while choosing something to wear

little cute sweet america
is about to take a lickin'
from her european sisters
who will grab back that blanket
she wraps herself in so tight
they snitch, "she hurt herself
and she hurts others
when using all her might
without true sight
she's not always right"

they're right

poor little beauty america
will certainly take a lickin'
from her european sisters
and though deserved it is
if she'll open her eyes to kiss
that of the world she is the Miss
humbly taking her spanking or two
learning that her lies will not do
perhaps america will Truly be
all she's meant globally
for when Miss America used to say

world peace
end to hunger
end to poverty
end to thirst
world peace

God heard what america's queen said
too those prayers came from His Head
His little gem america with smile so bright
within her He sees His Light
the question seems to be
is she smart enough to get it right

let's get it right.

WORD : Him

Sent: 2/7/2004 1:09 AM


oh God I want to write
it's been such a long time
since I've felt your Might
and I wonder if you have
completely left me
is there something more
that i should see
and yet within me there is this fight
something in the world that doesn't
well, it doesn't seem right
so much of it has gone astray
and I'm not talking about
mere naked display
I'm speaking of Your love
it's different
the one that your Dove
done do much Simpler
therefore, i'm awesomely amazed
by the Promise You made
to You
to me
about the real Love
that You and me:
We
give to each other
and i ultimately give back
to Thee
for it simply can't
(and isn't) be
about the green money
nor even about the roaring fame
for in You there is The Reason
i hope we all HOPE the same
that humanity finally recognizes it's brother
and then takes in him his lover
then so the Bride, humanity, is
Christ will take
as His

pray

WORD : help Lord

Sent: 1/26/2004 9:54 PM


help me Dear Lord as i search and seek You
i feel alone in some ways as i wonder if there are those that understand me
some do
yet i remain so afraid that i can hardly see
what is wrong with me
oh help me Lord
i feel You here and i know You are working great things
and i am so blessed
You are so good to me
what more do i need to see
oh help me Lord
help me
there are times when i wonder if the world is crashing in on me
i wonder if this is the last day i'll see
i worry that i've been less than you want me to be
and i shouldn't
you love me
no matter what
oh Lord just understand
that i'm just trying so hard to do as You said
yet i am human, i fail
and further i'm being mean to myself
and that isn't much help
help me Lord
oh help me Lord


Love,
Chad

WORD : Frozen

Sent: 1/26/2004 9:21 PM

As I shivered home from work today, in freezing temperatures, the cold enveloped my lungs, skidded through my veins, dried and cracked my bones in decay. I feel lifeless. I feel alone. I am sad. Persons pass me and smile, and I find myself almost annoyed that they cannot recognize my despair, that they have the audacity to look upon my frailty with kindness. Perhaps my face shows health, a rosy frosty glow; alas my spirit is sullen and black, dark and blue. My eyes gaze heavenward towards the starless sky. My world is colorless. My skies an everlasting gray. Nothing's changed. I had hope that it would. But everything's the same. Icicle tears.

My spark, my hope for a burning flame, is frozen. No flicker beneath ice waves. My wick is wet, laced in snow. I feel that I have been waiting forever for something to show, yet inspiration seems to have evaporated in the winter winds. And as my great emptiness feeds nothing, nothing starves my light. Fog flurries blind my sight. Lost on a black and white canvas plain of Mars, there is no one but me who can hear my grieving screams over these scars that seem to say that I am to blame for everything. That this is my fault. My life is all my fault.

I am cloaked in open sores of my own disgust of myself and my life. I would bleed, but the chill has congealed, leaving me in blood red spider webs in which I am caught. It seems surely soon I will be eaten, if not first by the world, then by myself who seems cannot be fought.

Help!

Save me.

Save me.

Oh please save me.

WORD : nonverbal

Sent: 1/8/2004 8:15 PM


i see you there across the way
and there's something about the way you say
not that i hear as i can only see
but your hands are moving wildly in ecstasy
as you speak some wonderfully intense story
of that dramatic moment within your day
the one your voice can only partly relay
so from a distance let me convey
i really love what your nonverbals say

WORD : Kevin

Sent: 1/8/2004 7:52 PM

I know Kevin from the neighborhood. He rode past me on his bike and saw me smoking a cigarette on my stoop. He stopped to ask if I had an extra. And as I did, he stopped to smoke with me, and we engaged in further conversation. He told me about his kids. He told me how he wanted them. He told me how he sought a job for them. He told me about his wife that kept them from him. He told me what I found hard to believe. Yet he told me what was true to him. He spoke to me. And I heard him. I don't know what lead us to know one another, yet we did. We understood circumstance. We understood the divine. And we stopped to talk about it.

Kevin is unique. He has no judgments towards me, as I impart no judgment on him. We’re living this. We’re doing the best we can at this moment in time. We’re just trying to get Home. We know our boundaries and respect them. We only tread in ignorance. And we forgive.

Tonight, sharing a drink, I looked at pictures of his life. His mother. His father. His sister. His son. His daughter. His wife. Every piece of sincere memory placed before me. Every smile known. Every bowed head recognized. Every moment captured in beauty appreciated. I was honored to look. Funny that he was honored to show.

As he left he spoke to me of time. "T hings I M ust E arn."

If earning means learning, I’m in complete agreement.