"Try to be the last one standing,"

My president thoughtfully said;

"This isn't something I'm demanding,

But helps the slowest not feel bad."

 

For me to be the last one standing

I find is awfully hard to do,

Since all my life I've been tending

To want to be the first one through.

 

But because my leader asked me,

I'm experiencing something new;

I stand here quite uncomfortably—

Just how hard is this to do?

 

Ask Shiz and Coriantumr—

The ultimate man was neither;

The one who got to stay around

To write their tale was Ether.

 

Mormon prayed that his son might be

The last one standing in the war;

Thus Moroni was left lonely

When all the Nephites were no more.

 

Now here I stand conspicuous,

Me, and an old and feeble man;

He hopes he's not ridiculous,

So I continue here to stand.

 

He then looks up and sees me there,

Where I've been standing for a while;

I'm not conscious of others' stares,

But very conscious of his smile.

 

Hard to be the last one standing?

Oh, yes, it's difficult to do;

But I've found it's quite rewarding,

For that great smile has warmed me through.

 

—James E. Kerns

11 February 2009

Wednesday Mid Shift