The Forge

 The Forge


Sat on the front step

Two of us, newly acquainted

Evidently some soft spots

For faith, perseverence and Jesus.


In the background and

Sifting through a front window screen

Country music about

Bad luck, lost love and trouble

Ford trucks, John Deere and good dogs.


Night was coolish, August norm.

Earlier some neighbourhood fireworks.

But none with this young man.

Trouble with older church folk

Pre judgment and assumptions.


He dived in…

Awkwardness with the Girlfriend.

Her divorce was dragging on.

And they wanted marriage and a 

New Path. New hopes.


Mine was the listening part.

Equally significant.


Talk about dogs.

He had one. Breed I could not name.

Beautiful shining eyes

Tan in colour. Three years old.

A very calming influence.

And same was important

To the troubled Girlfriend as well.


Suddenly I spoke up

Some rocky times with my Wife

A mental illness after

Nineteen years smooth and trusting.

The testimony knocked the pins 

Out of any resistance.


Jesus got the glory and the thanks

As it must always be.

I gave the young friend 

A classic volume from Oswald Chambers

Bible teacher.


Night was getting on.

We shook hands.

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