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.
