Missionary Couple

By Shirley Adwena Harvey

You could have used

this golden time

to enjoy fruits

of long-year farm tasks,

to rest

and savor family ties;

but you chose

to sell car and cattle

and cross a continent

where, with

spirit, smile,

and flannel board,

you knocked on doors

and touched

our world-centered hearts.

Did you know

a small boy listening

would remember

and one day take your words

across an ocean

to touch other hearts—

and that a girl listening there

would travel to far islands

carrying your message

and your love?