Father Time met Pale King Death
Sittin’ by a tomb.
“Hello, old friend. I guess you’re here
To seal somebody’s doom.”
“You might say that,” sly Death replied –
A smile slid up his face.
“Inside repose that Jesus man
Who said he’d save the race.”
“And you, Time, why you stoppin’ here?
Don’t you have things to do?”
“I come each morning to draw the veil
And let the mornin’ through.
“Say, why you watchin’ jus’ one grave
With all your vast domain?
Looks like you’d be out ramblin’ ’round
An’ smitin’ folks with pain.”
“Oh, this one’s somethin’ special,
He challenged me they say.
Said He’d rest here just three days
Then stir and walk away.
“Now I’m the Conqueror you know,
They don’t talk up to me.
When I step in to cut ‘em down
It’s for eternity.”
“I sure can testify to that,”
Responded Father Time,
“I ain’t seen one shake off the dust
Since you been in your prime.
“We”, I’ve got other things to do,
I must be on my way.
I’ll see you when I come back by
To make another day.”
So whiskered Time went up the hill
To bid the sun to rise,
And left Death standin’ by the tomb
Lookin’ strong and wise.
Nexst day, Time ambled by again,
“An’ how are things?” he queried.
“Kinda quiet,” Death replied,
“I’m startin’ to be wearied.
“Won’t be here when you come by
About this time tomorrow.
I’m anxious to be on my way
To spread some grief and sorrow.”
Now Father Time was quite surprised
When he came back to see
Death a-quiverin’ on the ground
In frightful agony!
His eyes were set; his throat was marked;
His clothes in disarray.
It wasn’t difficult to see:
Old Death had had his day.
“What happened Death?” asked Father Time,
“What makes you look so bad?
I’ve never seen you shake this way
Or seem so scared and sad.”
Death pulled himself up on a rock
Lookin’ sick and humble.
Hung his head an’ wrung his hands,
Then Time could hear him mumble.
“Was sittin’ here before the dawn,
About to take my stroll,
When all at once this whole wide world
Began to reel and roll.
“That rollin’ stone jumped off the door
An’ skipped on down the hill.
Then everything grew dark and quiet,
Seemed like the whole world stood still.
“I saw Him standin’ in the door –
He didn’t move or speak,
Just looked at me an’ all at once
I felt so tired and weak.
“He came and got a hold on me
An’ threw me to the ground.
Put His foot here on my neck,
Then took my keys and crown.
“Two angles came to talk with Him,
They glistened like the sun.
He said ‘The plan’s all finished now,
Redemption’s work is done.’
“An’ as they passed the garden gate
I heard Him say, just then,
He’s settin’ free my captives,
And givin’ gifts to men.”
Time and Death met once again
Off yonder by the gate.
“It’s good to see you,” said old Time,
“I’ve wondered ’bout your fate.”
“Oh, I’m a lowly servant now,
There’s little time to roam.
I just push open this old gate,
And help the saints go home!”
from Come, Walk With Me by Elwood McQuiad
Here is a picture of Isaiah on his first Easter. We spent the day at Dad and Mom’s, and enjoyed a wonderful meal with Grandpa, my sister and her family, and Dad and Mom.
