Verses for the Memory of Loved Ones

The Rose Still Grows Beyond The Wall
A.L. Frink

Near a shady wall a rose once grew,
budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
shedding its sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall,
through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength,
with never a thought of fear or pride.
It followed the light through the crevice's length
and unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view
were found the same as they were before:
And it lost itself in beauties new,
breathing its fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve,
and make our courage faint or fail?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive:
the rose still grows beyond the wall.

Scattering fragrance far and wide,
just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
just as it will for evermore.

Touching Shoulders (Unknown)

There's a comforting thought at the close of the day,
when I'm weary and lonely and sad,
That sort of grips hold of my crusty old heart
and bids it be merry and glad.

It gets in my soul and it drives out the blues,
and finally thrills through and through.
It is just a sweet memroy that chants the refrain:
"I'm glad I touch shoulders with you!"

Did you know you were brave,
did you know you were strong?
Did you know there was one leaning hard?
Did you know that I waited and listened and prayed,
and was cheered by your simplest word?

Did you know that I longed for that smile on your face,
for the sound of your voice ringing true?
Did you know I grew stronger and better because
I had merely touched shoulders with you?

I am glad that I live, that I battle and strive
for the place that I know I must fill;
I am thankful for sorrwos, I'll meet with a grin,
what fortune may send, good or ill.

I may not have wealth, I may not be great,
But I know I shall always be true,
For I have in my life that courage you gave
when once I rubbed shoulders with you.