O Henry

For in my latter years
I sat and from my
squinted eyes
saw the manner
you held in distance
those not quite with it
in the chosen way
Sure I shook and yes
I was not of O Youth
As so many
But there was a time
When my words were clear
My thoughts precise
Chapter and verse I could
quote then expound the
meaning to the wide-eyed
O Youth
Take heed when you
enter your temples
And take the chosen seat
vacated by the
Old Henry's who
Now forget which seat
they left their
Bible upon
Be glad O Youth
that you are not as I
Shaking in a haze and
squinting to God
Be merciful to me
an old sinner.
I tell you
take heed
O youth
O beautiful
Justified ones.