For A. Lincoln Poem by Hm. Nes

You knew to laugh
when trouble strangled joy.
You knew to forgive
when enemies threatened arrest.
You knew the power of words
when silence was preferred.
You pursued people
when you were by every right superior.
You chose humility
when it proved fodder for enemy canon.
You pressed on
when there was nothing ahead but struggle.
You endured
with no one prodding you from behind.
You stood alone.
You clung to God.
Men hated you and mocked you,
yet they came to you for favors or entertainment, and
You granted both.
You were faithful
despite betrayal.
You said what you knew to be true,
regardless the consequences,
always soberly considering the potential wisdom of counselors,
no matter how inferior they proved to be.
And then,
You died,
so that one nation could live on.