Former Gov. George Busbee (Ga.) died earlier today
of an apparent heart attack. This poem is a tribute to him.

In an airport
on vacation
with your family –
they say you simply fell
and breathed your last.

All of Georgia
mourns lasting loss
of a great leader –
one who governed with care,
brought calming force.

And there are those
who knew you for
generosity –
contributions that made
so much possible.

I met you late
in the small church
you helped to begin –
I knew you for the smiles
that blessed my life.

Your firm handshake,
the winks you gave
when my little boy
needed to know someone
cared, he was loved.

Tonight you’ve gone,
begun journey
home to only Son –
Godspeed, Governor, George.
May your soul soar.