Strong as flint, soft as clay stands the image of this man
whose presence held the walls in place and made this home to stand
with unfailing confidence, he built a legacy
of memories and tender thoughts that fill our family’s tree

With strong arm and sweaty brow, he worked to make all right
so that the wife for whom he lived might gently sleep at night
and the playful hand that held each child safe b’neath his care
was the graceful hand of charity to whom all he did share

Constant were this man’s eyes, calm and full of peace
but modest wisdom lay within deep as green-blue seas
and when assailing storms blew in causing fear and doubt
to this man we all looked for strength to help us out

Victory this man gained o’er many challenges and strife
for prayerfully he looked to Christ to help him through his life
and though our memories of him will stand throughout the years
we all now must say goodbye with heartache and with tears

A simple joy this man found, to feed the birds each day
his quaint and peaceful garden was where they came to play
even to the lowly birds, this father was a friend
but Easter morn they all took flight, moved upon the wind
born upon the cool spring breeze o’er cloud and vast blue skies
the birds now sing their songs of thanks to him in paradise.

* * *
Shane Anderson / Copyright 2000

Dedicated to my grandfather, James Earl Bratsen.
Passed Easter morning, April 23, 2000.

This Man is the first poem I ever wrote. It was read as a remembrance poem during my grandfather’s funeral at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in La Marque, Texas. The day he passed is known as Easter Sunday Tornado Outbreak because over 36 tornadic events all occurred that same day spanning Southeast Oklahoma, through Southwest Arkansas, Northeast Texas, and across Northwest Louisiana.