In July, the Rev. Fletcher Van Gorder Parker passed away in Cromwell. We here at Flagg Road knew him simply as “Van”. He and his wife Lucille lived in Hartmeadow Village for twenty years following his retirement from ministry. They were both wonderful people, sharing in Van’s ministry in an “old school” manner, a husband-and-wife team. Van had many gifts that enabled him to be deeply loved by his congregations, he was a good listener and forever curious. In his retirement Van began to write poetry. In his memory, here are two of his poems.

 

GLUE

(To whom it may concern)

There are many types of glue

which can be

bought at the store

and used around the house

 

No need to list them here.

What they all have in common

is there ability to hold things together,

like the parts of a chair

 

Glue is not something

which calls attention to itself.

It functions best when not seen—

Shoring up shaky places

and filling empty spaces,

 

As do some people

who have a way of holding together

a family

a team

whatever

It doesn’t seem like a compliment

to compare persons to glue

but it makes sense because

you can’t help but notice

if they’re not there

 

 

EASTER

Another Easter, arriving on time

according to the vagaries

of the Gregorian calendar

 

Words like resurrection

spring to new life.

All trying to describe

an event

 

that goes beyond telling

yet needs to be told

about someone named Jesus

 

Who I don’t see as

placating an offended Deity

on our behalf

 

But as God’s way

of reaching out and

showing slow learners

like you and me

 

Who God was and is

and always will be

and helping blind folks

to see.