Truth Eternal
©2024 Susan Noyes Anderson
image used by permission from Unsplash+
He approaches the podium, earnest gaze,
blue eyes bedimmed by gentle haze,
to speak of lasting things and true,
pure testimony shining through.
His voice, softened by many years,
still rings steadfastly in our ears,
still pierces hearts with love and light,
still teaches with divine insight.
Each word lands sweetly; spirits soar.
He leaves us better than before,
then thanks us in a humble way
for “letting him visit us” today.
And we feel moved because, you see,
though part of our ward family,
he does not know us anymore.
His mind hails from a distant shore.
Yet we are his, and he is ours.
His memory fails, but not the powers
of love and light, of truths restored:
core truths, unvanquished by life’s sword.
God’s truth prevails. Though memory flees,
inside the soul, faith lives and breathes.
This witness, borne through our dear friend,
deems truth eternal, without end.
∞§∞
If this poem resonates with you, you might also enjoy reading Last Request and Winding Down: A Window Pane on Parting
Tags: Altzheimers, dementia, enduring to the end, eternal truth, faith, fast and testimony meeting, LDS poem, testimony, ward family