48. We Wish That You Were Here
[In Memory of a Beloved Attorney.]
Our halls are strangely dark this week,
Though the lights burn just as bright.
They say outside there’s summer’s heat,
But we feel winter’s night.
We don’t laugh much, for it hurts to joke
Without your presence near.
They told us that you’ve gone away,
But we wish that you were there.
To clients stressed by loss and doubt,
With failing health or fortunes spent,
You gave heart and hope and healing,
With sage wisdom heaven sent.
To those who lacked a friend in court,
To light lives dimmed by debt and fear,
You helped such find a better day,
Their advocate was here.
To those deceivers who denied
Their victims’ fair and fitting plea,
To those whose conscience did not wince
At telling falsehoods for a fee.
To those whose power, or whose purse,
Sought to compel us live in fear,
You forced them seek a speedy peace.
Truth’s champion was here.
Dear friend, if we could see you now,
We would thank you for your life.
So many years you served us well,
Through earthquake, fire, and strife.
You never stopped, you never shirked,
And with honor bright and clear,
You taught us how to stand alone--
But we wish that you were here.
You had a stride, you had a smile,
That we cannot forget.
Your warmth and cheer has filled our lives,
Gifts given without regret.
Still, through our tears, we feel your peace,
As your family gathers near,
And when we think of you with love,
It’s as though you still were here.
(c) www.servingjesuspoetry.com
Non-commercial usage allowed
Context
The practice of law permits both service and abuse. Our nation is built upon law. However, not all who earn a living in the law are just and true. There are, still, some dedicated attorneys who will remain in our memory forever as examples of those who love the law. This piece memorializes an attorney who stood for integrity and honor. Speaking of such special servants, a New York lawyer wrote nearly seventy years ago:
“True, we build no bridges. We raise no towers. We construct no engines. We paint no pictures - unless as amateurs for our own principal amusement. There is little of all that we do which the eye of man can see.
“But we smooth out difficulties; we relieve stress; we correct mistakes; we take up other men’s burdens, and by our efforts we make possible the peaceful life of men in a peaceful state.”
(From an address by John W. Davis to the Association of the Bar of the City of New York; March 16, 1946.)
[In Memory of a Beloved Attorney.]
Our halls are strangely dark this week,
Though the lights burn just as bright.
They say outside there’s summer’s heat,
But we feel winter’s night.
We don’t laugh much, for it hurts to joke
Without your presence near.
They told us that you’ve gone away,
But we wish that you were there.
To clients stressed by loss and doubt,
With failing health or fortunes spent,
You gave heart and hope and healing,
With sage wisdom heaven sent.
To those who lacked a friend in court,
To light lives dimmed by debt and fear,
You helped such find a better day,
Their advocate was here.
To those deceivers who denied
Their victims’ fair and fitting plea,
To those whose conscience did not wince
At telling falsehoods for a fee.
To those whose power, or whose purse,
Sought to compel us live in fear,
You forced them seek a speedy peace.
Truth’s champion was here.
Dear friend, if we could see you now,
We would thank you for your life.
So many years you served us well,
Through earthquake, fire, and strife.
You never stopped, you never shirked,
And with honor bright and clear,
You taught us how to stand alone--
But we wish that you were here.
You had a stride, you had a smile,
That we cannot forget.
Your warmth and cheer has filled our lives,
Gifts given without regret.
Still, through our tears, we feel your peace,
As your family gathers near,
And when we think of you with love,
It’s as though you still were here.
(c) www.servingjesuspoetry.com
Non-commercial usage allowed
Context
The practice of law permits both service and abuse. Our nation is built upon law. However, not all who earn a living in the law are just and true. There are, still, some dedicated attorneys who will remain in our memory forever as examples of those who love the law. This piece memorializes an attorney who stood for integrity and honor. Speaking of such special servants, a New York lawyer wrote nearly seventy years ago:
“True, we build no bridges. We raise no towers. We construct no engines. We paint no pictures - unless as amateurs for our own principal amusement. There is little of all that we do which the eye of man can see.
“But we smooth out difficulties; we relieve stress; we correct mistakes; we take up other men’s burdens, and by our efforts we make possible the peaceful life of men in a peaceful state.”
(From an address by John W. Davis to the Association of the Bar of the City of New York; March 16, 1946.)