HERMAN'S SERMON

HERMAN'S SERMON

Roger A. Davis

He was an old codger, set in his ways
Whittling on his front porch most days
His dogs resting at his feet
Then at night, they’d hunt for raccoon meat

One afternoon, slumped back in his chair
On the back of his neck, up stood his hair
A voice he proceeded to hear
Because an angel did appear

These words it spoke
'Herman, God has a sermon for you’
Maybe he thought it was a bad batch of moonshine
Because he didn’t believe in the Devine

The angel said, ‘You are to whittle God a cross
Then put it in a cigar box with a bed of wet moss
This coming Sunday, take it to the Baptist meeting
And find a front row seating'

Everybody will think I’ve lost my mind
Never had anything to do with the church-going kind
'During the service, the preacher will ask people to share
So, Herman, don’t let Him down, be there

When it seems everyone’s finished, stand to your feet
Face the congregation; show the cross and the peat
God promises you He will do an amazing feat'
Herman said, ‘I’ll do it! It sounds super neat’

Sunday comes, Herman is right in front of the pastor
Praying that this won’t be a disaster
As predicted, people were wondering why he was there
Especially with his head bent in prayer

The time for testimonies and concerns seemed done
He stood, told the angel’s words and he was to be the last one
Disbelief was on their faces and some had scorn
Upon seeing this, Herman felt torn

Then he saw the angel in the back and felt perfect love
Herman opened the box and out came a white dove
The parishioners thought it was an old codger’s hoax
Yet, this sermon was just for Herman, not the other folks

Herman died that winter, buried in the sod
Until that day, he knew the love of God
To the church he left a whittled dove and cross
And a note saying, 'Not believing is your loss'