The Rifting Rill

By Ronnie Wolfe – May 2, 2009

I stand beside you gentle and so still,

But once you spoke to me as rifting rill.

Your banks then acquiesced to rise receive

The liquid grave that hopeless family grieved.

When martyred as the swiftly driven waves

Pressed forward like black bats from darkest caves,

They stole away my bosom friend to hide

His body many days in drifting tide.

We searched with hearts forlorn and desperate weak,

And begged the Lord to partial just a peek,

Reveal the spot where his remains may lie,

And at his wake give place to testify.

This boy, so good, and yet of humankind,

A friend indeed, and faith in Christ sublime,

So took my heart with every look and phrase,

I helpless gave intent to his cliches.

And now in Heav’n eternal angels say

“This is the boy desired for endless day,”

Then carried him away so swiftly still

To satisfy our Holy Father’s will.

So truly now his voice of praise divine

Sings chorus as he drinks the heavenly wine,

And gives not one sad voice to earthly gain,

But basks in heavenly bliss; there is no pain.

I stand beside you gentle and so still,

But once you spoke to me as rifting rill;

And now I understand my earthly loss

And know this could not be without the cross.

This poem was written in memory of David Rodgers, who died when the car he was in went into the rushing water of a nearby creek from his home in Pendleton County, Kentucky, on December 8, 1972. He was my neighbor and a very good friend. He was almost 12 years old and visited me nearly every day.  -Ronnie W. Wolfe

The poem was started on May 2, 2009, and was finished on April 10, 2013.