Life Is But The First Part

                                                 
                                                  "Once upon a time" and "In the beginning"
                                                   Some famous stories begin.
                                                   For me, it was a self-abortion
                                                   That left me the surviving twin.

                                                   In a childhood besot with disease,
                                                   I suffered a sinner's abuse
                                                   Which provided me a foundation in life
                                                   To transcend without excuse.

                                                   So I left the nest and travelled afar
                                                   To settle and mingle alone.
                                                   I answered to no one but myself
                                                   And left it for God to atone.

                                                   In time a vision of love appeared
                                                   And cemented my heart to her soul.
                                                   I married the woman and raised our children
                                                   In a committed, responsible role.

                                                   I served the courts as an officer of law
                                                   Resolving people's fights,
                                                   And forty years later called it quits
                                                   To author my stories and writes.

                                                   Comes now my age of seventy-six
                                                   When I savor my works and deeds.
                                                   I kiss my great-granddaughter on the cheek
                                                   And harbor no further needs.

                                                   I've lived my life with God in my heart
                                                   And been forgiven my sin.
                                                   Now I'll paddle my canoe for a time or so
                                                   Till His voice calls out, "Come in!"

                                                   In faith I wait for the light to show
                                                   And the time I will rejoice:
                                                   Whence comes the day that God speaks out,
                                                   "Be still and hear my voice."

                                                   A certainty of future is mine
                                                   In His promise of the life I've led:
                                                   "You've done my will as I have asked
                                                   And heaven is just ahead."

                                                              "Once upon a time" and "In the beginning"
                                                   Will echo in my heart.
                                                   Soon I'll know of God's plan for us
                                                   For Life is but the first part!


                                                   
                                                   So mote it be.

                                                   Richard Lee Orey
                                                                Copyright 2009