Tribute to a Prophet


I dedicate this poem to President Hinckley and to Gina, my inspiration, for it was through her beautiful brown eyes that the idea for this work was conceived.

The Empty Chair

My neighbors came and broke the news
Our prophet dear had died
I felt a peace and calm within
No tears flowed from my eyes

I stood in line and braved the cold
To see the prophet sleep
"Surely this was a prophet of God"
But I had no desire to weep

The tributes and the memories
The testimonies borne
Of this great prophet did not bring
A cause for me to mourn

And on the funeral morning
My sorrow with none did I share
Not until between two counselors
I saw -- that empty chair

For it was then I realized
My leader had been lost
And never would I again see
Him rise from that chair to talk

I’ll miss you President Hinckley
We’ve lost one of our own
To many saints around the world
You’re the only prophet they’ve known

But all is well, we shall go on
With your memory and a prayer
For God will give us the best He’s got
And place him in that chair

Ben Arkell
February 2008