Has-Been Preacher
By Larry Linville
I’m a preacher who’s been retired for nearly four long years.
It seems I’m really only known by that big group of my peers.
Things continue well – like they did when I was there
When the young ones hear my name they look at me and stare.
I met a young vibrant preach that I’d never met before
And we spoke to each other as we stood inside the door.
He told me what his name is and then just was he does.
I said -- I’m just an old has-been who really never was.
If success could be symbolized by a great big wooly beard.
My accomplishments were much less and really kind of weird.
My ministry might more accurately be like some peachy fuzz
I’m just an old has-been who really never was.
I know I did a lot of things that touched some people’s life
I joined them in the good times and helped in time of strife.
I’ve helped young preachers who now are quite a buzz.
So I shouldn’t feel like a has-been who really never was.
I think I’ve been too good at putting myself down
I may never have ruled the city but was a big man in my town.
I know I’ve done the things that some would think is odd
But I guess I’m a has-been who’s a still-been to my God.
© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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4 comments:
Had not read your poetry for awhile.
Liked all of it.
You are not an has been minister---these young miniters coming up like our daughter need your wisdom, experience, etc. She even hears about the really old ones from her Grandmother Bishop Monk Bryan, Bishop Frank, Rev. Robert Core, DS, Rev. Niblack, DS and Rev J. C. Montgomery, DS.
Then she knows the ones that have been in our life that are retiring or have retired. Rev. Jim Davis, Rev. Marvin Fortel that married John and I
We old retired ministers and teachers gave our lives to many and we will never know all the good that we did.
thanks for your words. It is good to see that us old "has beens" really were something -- and still are. I really enjoy working with the young "crop" coming on.
Larry
This reminds me of the Poem by Henry W. Longfellow. I shot an arrow into the air. He breathed a song into the air and found it in the heart of a friend.
You don't always know where it lands, or if it creats good or not. I can say you've been a possitive influence on my life.
That's nice, John. I appreciate that.
Larry
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