Friend Poem by Catherine Habbie

A friend went straight
To heaven today
Up close to God he was
When called right away

God saw he had the very best
& made him skip the usual test
He just held him close
And laid him to rest

He completed his chores
& shut all the solid doors
But couldn't let our minds sway
It just did not seem the right time today

He read the Bible cover to cover
And was soon ready
To bow before the higher power
No place there for emotions heady

The lament of the wife
Filled the deep blue sky
The wee children rubbed their red eyes
But God knew and had expected strife

He took him with stealth
They would never have agreed otherwise
Twas indeed the family's wealth
And the tale of my friend's demise