Grace, Mercy & Miracles

One might assume that Andrew is an average person who has battled with heartache and struggles like everyone else and he is, but he has a unique story that is still unfolding as he is without a job, home or family. Andrew has a beautiful writing gift and a book of poems in need of a publisher. The poem below will make it clear some of his struggles at the moment. He lives in Chandler, AZ and I found him on a bench in the middle of the night shivering and in significant pain after he lost his prescription medication and missed the pick up time to be admitted to the shelter that night.

I invited him to my weekly fellowship meeting last week and let him share some of his poems with the group. He has a heart of gold and I am praying that others will see that and help him get back on his feet.

The Bench and the Blanket

Alone on a park bench with a chill to the bone,

No chance of warmth, for this night would be cold.

Just then, something happened as I shivered; which quite astonished me—

As I was confused, and half asleep, a blanket fell upon me.

To this I was much obliged and much amused,

For up until this moment by society I had felt much abused.

This sort of act perpetrated by someone I never saw,

To my vulnerable state this person must have been drawn.

This sort of perpetration restored hope in me for a civilization I had quite given up on,

But now I was warm…now my shivers had gone.

I quickly fell back into slumber as I pondered this person with best of intention.

Come morning time, to my surprise, I noticed myself wrapped in this blanket aforementioned.

It felt as though my humiliating situation for which I was not equipped,

Had not gone without altruism—had not been of remiss, nor of dismiss.

To this wonderful citizen who went well beyond societal duty;

Well to this citizen I would concede, you are of such beauty.

The beautiful nature in our world which should be spread as plague—

For this kindness to be spread worldwide, I most certainly would beg.

I thank you for your kindness, you illusive, and most outstanding member of society.

I have slept many a warm night; and I humbly thank you for your most gracious generosity.

By Andrew Richmond