The Evidence of Things Not Seen

This book was started after retirement to fill my spare time, with not thoughts of publishing. However, as the number of poems grew, and I started writing about my family, the thought occurred that they and others mentioned might like a copy. Also, I have included information about my family in which, sooner or later, the next three or four generations may be interested. For these reasons, I have decided to have the poems printed. They were a joy to write, and I hope they will bring similar joy to all who read them.

Contents

Foreword / 9



Poems for the Common Man

At the Doctor's Office / 13

The Dentist / 14

My New Car / 15

My Computer / 17

That Certain Room / 19

It's Tax Time Again / 20

Painters / 22

A Small Town Called Opp / 24

Where I Live / 25

My Exercise Experience / 27

Paper or Plastic / 28

The Only Child / 29

Bring Back the Front Porch / 31

I'm Getting Older / 33



POEMS FOR FRIENDS

Christmas Light Tour, December 19, 2000 / 37

Christmas Eve at Bobo's / 38

Christmas at the Halbrooks' / 39

Part of the Family / 40

Friends / 41

Greathouse Family Reunion, April 22, 2001 / 43

Home and Friends / 46

Irene and Bill / 48

Good Neighbors / 50

Ralph Douglas Halbrooks' Birthday / 52

Johnnie Ruth Parker's Birthday, April 29, 2001 / 54

The Wesley Wanderers in Cajun Country / 55

Petals from the Past with the

Wesley Wanderers, April 17, 2001 / 62

Mother's Day at the Lake / 64

Opp High School Class Reunion of '55 / 66



Poems of Faith

Faith / 71

Love / 73

Feelings of Love / 74

Should, Would, Could / 75

Sunday and Church / 76

Ridgecrest Service / 78

The Soul Has Been Released / 79



Poems of Family

The Thompson Family Tree / 83

Family / 85

Elizabeth and Joe / 87

Jimmy and Kathy / 88

Larry and Kim / 89

J. C. and Dorothy / 90

Robert and Tracy / 91

Jack and Mindell / 92

Tyson, That's Me / 93

John and Barbara / 96

Curtis and Tracy / 97

Russell and Wendy / 98

Benny and Sherrie / 99

Johnny and Cindy / 100

Jody and Tina / 101

Betty and Mary / 102



About the Author / 103