No Greater Love Poem by Jim Bolen

No Greater Love

Suddenly, without warning, he broke loose from my hand, jumping from the curb in the path of a fast travelin' van. Screaming in terror, I ran to my child lying in the street. It was all over in less than a heartbeat.

I didn't know that handsome young man who threw himself down in front of the van hurling my son out of its path to safety crushing him beneath its wheels vicariously.
Holding my child against my body, I stood mesmerized by the wail of the ambulance as the crowd editorialized. I followed the ambulance to the place they'd taken him to learn the mortal fate of this brave young man.

The nurse removed her mask while tears began flow down her young, tormented face. 'This room is hallowed. He was a fine kid, I knew him well. We did everything, just couldn't save him. It's just a gut wrenching shame.'

With both hands of Death clutching my Skip, a stranger ran up, releasing Death's mortal grip. Death took him instead, but gave back my treasure. Far and above no doubt, his crown sparkles with glitter.
© 2003 Jim Bolen