A Holy Conversation

Historical Committee Report to Church Council

April 2, 2019

Phoebe H. Dishman, Chair

 

Today’s Adventure:

History in the Making

 

I tried to write a poem about history –

the Methodist church and John Wesley.

But the hour has come and I must flee –

granddaughter’s waiting, yessirree!

 

She’s reclining on my lap, so confidingly

and she’s drinking her bottle, happy as can be

when a voice outside from a great tall tree –

haw haw haw haw haw, says he.

 

Well, Amelia Rose Dishman, sittin on my knee

from her place in the house Mr. Crow can’t see.

But something in his voice sets her free:

Haw haw haw haw haw, says she.

 

That’s right, granddaughter! Listen to me:

You’ve added crow to your ornithology.

Corvus brachyrhynchos, wouldn’t you agree?

Or maybe ossifragus.  Haw haw, says she.

 

Sixty-five years and I thought I’d never see

ears so sharp and a wit so free

in one so young who knows just how to be

a part of the plan so mutually.

 

Fifteen months, sittin on my knee –

Amelia’s take on theology.

And I never heard a hymn by Charles Wesley

that struck my ear more delightfully.

 

I would add a few verses of history –

the Methodist church and John Wesley.

But my time is up and I must flee –

Humbly yours,

PHD

“The Crow-talker”, a portrait by her maternal grandmother, and named by me