R.O.Y. (Rookie Of The Year) Poem by Luke Easter

Things going on @ Greater Refuge Temple must be pure delight,
Brother Jeff Rickey Cheeks says another poem we have to write,
A choir director is doing something very special in that church,
I’ll bet this will definitely not be the last and neither is it the first.

We’re all familiar with the billionaire status for Bill Gates,
More than equally compelling is the life of Mr. Ralph Yates,
Never, ever allow the lack of notoriety to under estimate,
The extent of an individual’s passion you should appreciate.

Working extremely hard in a law firm while attending school,
Constant analysis, directing choirs, learning the golden rule,
Using his own money, purchasing music for the band to play,
Sit back, relax, it is just the beginning of what I have to say.

OK, he’s only the assistant director but who would ever know?
Mr. Yates is here spreading the gospel, not to steal the show,
Moving to New York City from Jamaica, the year was 1991,
Wait, he left sandy beaches, gorgeous weather & a perfect sun?

Such a drastic difference between cultures, not just the weather,
Like the art of closing a deal, our sanctuary is now a little better
Yes, many miles are between the two but this is where he went,
It brings to mind an old saying, something about, “heaven sent, ”

Ralph told his mother, New York is where I’ll better educate myself,
She said, just keep reading your bible don’t leave it on the shelf,
Straight to the big apple my son, take no detours, make no curves,
Show everyone that it’s not only a blessing but it’s well deserved.

Suggesting worship at Greater Refuge Temple with Bishop Bonner,
Tutelage under that ministry will esteem and fill you with honor,
Truly, your life will only go as far as a faith-based church is real,
Trust in Psalm 84: 11, “For the Lord thy God is a sun and a shield, ”

Remember child of mine that no matter what you will say and do,
Success will be determined whether or not Christ Jesus is there too,
Not only in book learned education, for life as well there’s a school,
Trials & tribulations will come but faith in God will see you through.

Packed some bags, boarded his flight, from Jamaica he did depart,
Sound advice from mother Yates etched firmly in mind and heart,
Big cities can easily lead astray paths of the most well healed boots,
Unless as a Christian you’re already planted deep in religious roots.

Graduating from Herbert Lehman College,2008,29th of May,
Computer Info Systems & Legal Studies, Ralph is on the way,
One ultimate goal right now is to pursue a Masters In Law,
There isn’t a ladder high enough for all of his dreams are tall.

Directing the Brotherhood, Voices of Praise, Mass & Radio Choir,
I am trying to tell you these aspirations climb higher and higher,
Even the Atlantic Ocean couldn’t quench such a burning desire,
Or put out the powerful emotion from his heart’s consecrated fire.

Matthew 12: 25, a house divided against itself will not stand,
Based on this principle he works closely with all of the bands,
In conjunction with everything else he still gives 100 percent,
Not just scratching the surface but creating a noticeable dent.

He is not writing, filming a movie or auditioning for the part,
Ralph’s a musical Michelangelo creating gospel works of art,
Neither is our brother trying to be a dancer in a Broadway play,
Just our gifted choir director, Yates doesn’t roll any other way.

1st Peter 5: 8, “Satan is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, ”
Ralph understands the evil one gets paid per soul, not by the hour,
In addition to arranging music he conducts others in P’s and Q’s,
For crafty likes of the devil, guys like Brother Yates are bad news.

We can list more accomplishments but this is not the time or place,
Even if it were eventually there’d be less than adequate space,
Our poem has 1 single purpose, to show how much we appreciate,
His incomparable musical talents we have classified as first rate.

This and more is what inspired Brother Cheeks’ poetic mind,
When he sat down to bring together another soulful rhyme,
Diligently working with the same enthusiasm line after line,
Emailing his masterpiece to me and I humbly added my dime.

There are many titles going around but what could it possibly be?
Here at Greater Refuge Temple Church we already have a M.V.P.,
It’d have to encompass his many accolades, one we’d hold so dear,
A Christian in good standing Ralph Yates is, “Rookie Of The Year? ”

w/Jeff Ricky Cheeks