For Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu Poem by Margaret Kollmer

And when you walk through the doorway
What will you leave behind?
Let me tell you merry spirit:
The touch of the human kind.

You'll leave with us the vision
Of a jester brave and true
Who risked a peoples' laughter
Doing what he had to do.

We thank you, dearest clown of God
For you have made us proud
How strong the heart that withers not
When faced with derision's cloud.

And when you reach that doorway
Turn and see what's left behind -
An order new; you touched us all
With love in heart and mind.

Your work is done and you will leave
Our souls blessed by your mark
We thank you for your lightness
Ever shining through the dark.