Jack’s Son

Golden ringlets hung like a halo
Over his head proving to many
That Burman really was an angel
Testifying on earth.

Jack and Lizzy were God trusting people,
Like anyone else on Elm Avenue
Burman had the same Christian
Teachings that Trinity Church gave
All five year olds.

But as soon as words formed in his mouth
Burman started angel talk—
Angels said this, angels want that.
Jack carved a winged woman
and set it beside
The spool oak bed he made his son.

After all the railroad work was done, Jack stayed
Late, lathing animals for Burman
Carrying home the clever lions, birds, bears
Burman and Lizzy would be waiting
“What magic Papa, which of God’s animals did you make me?
I’ll take them with me.

“Don’t cry Papa, when the angels come I will be safe
They will carry me home just like they will come back
For you and Mamma then we will all be together in heaven.”

Burman talked about dying like the first sunrise—
Dying and angels and all as it was suppose to be,
So when he took sick with some unnamed illness
No one was surprised
The paper even wrote an article about him
So unusual was Burman Trent—
Baby born of pure faith.

Jack cut down the elm tree.
It seemed right for the tiny coffin and
So strong, angels couldn’t break his Burman boy,
If they stumbled on the way to heaven.