Clear Worded Light

In memory of Frank, a most wonderful neighbor.

Friend, along your path of life,
you toiled in the mill,
you loved your kids and wife.

Sir, you were the salt of earth,
an old school dignity,
care outlined in courtesy.

Now as I look over there,
a house both green and white,
in the dark of three o'clock
there burns a front porch light.

Like the two tall maple trees
that rained a million leaves,
life is taken from the limb,
and the heart of nature grieves.

All that I can do or say
as you join eternity,
are these words I free this night
from the very soul of me.

Light and love were part of you
in morning's golden flame;
night awaits another dawn--
the porch light speaks your name.