My neighbor (“the golfer”) passed away unexpectedly last weekend. At his funeral, during tributes from children and friends, many thoughts and feelings came up, which I turned into poetic texts to myself.

When a good man passes 11:04 a.m.
When a good man is/
Taken too early, it shakes/
We who aren’t ready.

Life Elevated Example 11:49 p.m.
When you see a life/
That is elevated, you/
Know you must improve.

My Neighbor’s Advice: 12:13 p.m.
“Prepare to stand in/
The presence of God.” That’s his/
advice from the grave.

Urgent Work 12:24 p.m.
For such a one to/
leave so early shows how the/
work is so urgent.
OR
For such a one to/
leave so soon shows how urgent/
the Lord’s work must be.

Kind Words Of Welcome 12:26 p.m.
Welcome back, brother”/
were the kindest feelings and/
words I ever heard.