if there ever was
a holy man
called to the world––
it was
Peter James Johnson
if ever there was
a mortal knight
who could swim the
cataracts of mammon
& spurn the seductions
of the deadly sins––
it was
Peter James Johnson
if ever there was
an advocate
who could speak
the law by heart
like scripture
to save weeping children
in dark distress
or slay hissing corporate
dragons––
it was
Peter James Johnson
together we rejoice
in honesty––
for he taught us to be
forthright
& he showed us
how to be proud
of ourselves &
of our country
with the highest respect
for others
together we rejoice
in generosity––
for he planted
his rich blessings on this earth
to serve the poor
& lift all
in need of strength
in times of hardship
he raised his family
to share light
with all the coming
generations––
& he founded
a legal fellowship
to serve
the true compass
of justice
let him now take up
his residence
in heaven––
to wait for us all
to celebrate
the reunion
of the human family
so will it be
in the gently blessed time
of kingdom come