Who Are They?

They have been our escorts, our guardians, our guides
dedicated caretakers, protectors, the soldiers at our side
They have been our teachers, our mentors, our friends
confidants, companions, they have helped the sick mend

What are they? Who are they? Can anyone say?
Servants? Elected officials? Or someone we pay?
Do we meet them in school? On the job? At war?
Or are they waiting for us, eagerly, behind the front door?

these furred critters are Heaven's fauna
with souls as bright as a summer dawn
into our care they are given in love
their love for us, and His from above

they are the Creator's gift, lovingly lent
with a measure of Heaven they're sent
when in our Lord's land some may abide
many return, in spirit, to be by our side

how then shall we greet these beings?
these creatures who judge not in seeing
our faults, our weaknesses, our souls
these beings who can help make us whole

when it's time, from us, for them to depart
they'll take a piece of our fractured heart
cradled softly in their keeping from afar
'neath a canopy of sunlight and stars

some will soon join up with human family
who were earth-bound but are now set free
while others eagerly await the day
of their very special first Earth stay

will we greet them with arms held wide
welcome them warmly to live at our side
or will we spurn them as beasts of no worth
subject them to derision, neglect, and hurt

what are they? who are they? can anyone say?
these ones whose visits seem but a short stay...
being guileless, innocent, and pure of spirit
does any description other than angel fit?

                               

copyright 2008 Kathy Pippig Harris