To Uncle Dale

My Uncle Dale Van Lente went to be with the Lord earlier this month.  The list of what he accomplished and gave back to the community and his family is quite long, yet he was always a very humble and likeable man.

This poem comes from the image of a soccer star leaving the pitch.  I had never really understood what was happening until a visiting missionary to Africa did the same thing after his presentation at our church last month.


To Uncle Dale

The game was fought

with cleat and blood

showed skill both close and far.

The score was set

and time to sub

was done the local star.

As one the stands

stood to applaud,

like waves the sound did jar.

Caught up I cheered

till almost horse,

enjoyed adulation's hour.

Our hero smiled

while he nodded

arms raised as if a tower.

Applauded us

the fickle fans

and Him who gives the power.