Papa Lion - Loving Dreamer

 

Papa lion - loving dreamer

there is a roar that rises

above the crowd

amongst the ashes 

a love so loud

it finds us solace

it finds us still

this pride that binds

and blinds at will

this roar now gone

still calls to me

beyond the grave

beyond the sea

a setting sun

a work begun

such light in death

a pleasing son

all his flaws

and birth to strife

we're not enough

to steal his life

he found his place

a forgotten space

and there he chose

to run his race

no movie made

or statue erect

and yet the world

will soon reflect

John Gladstone came

and in Christ's name

he found the lost 

Beneath their shame

he fed them grace

embraced his place

and now he'll rise

to see God's face

Farewell my friend

Farewell for now

Your light in life

Still burns somehow

It burns in friendship

Though It hurts so much

It burns in those

Who's lives you tuched

Here's to the Lion

we lay to rest

heart like an ocean

He gave his best

A dreamer

A papa

A husband

My friend

Your light not gone

It journeys on

your legacy begins

In honor and memory of:

John Gladstone

My friend of more than 30 years

Love eternal:

Matt Francis