Jay D Weaver's Thought for the Week - A Tribute to Al Myers

A Tribute to Al Myers

Vinca, "To Conquer"

There was a man who went by the name of Al Myers. Al sang bass in the chancel choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Venice, Florida. Al was a tall, somewhat lanky man. He was kind and gentle, and always tried to help others. Sunday after Sunday he would hold the door until everyone had exited the sacristy after the service. That's the sort of man he was.

He was interested in genealogy, as am I. We thought we might be related, but never got to pursue that line of inquiry. Al had been having some health problems, but returned to the choir in March. He worked hard to try and catch up on the music. We had a special rehearsal on March 19. Al attended the rehearsal that evening. Al did not show up for our regularly scheduled rehearsal the next evening. We found out a few days later that he had died in his sleep only a few hours after that Tuesday night rehearsal. His last activity was doing what he loved so well: Singing in the choir.

I wanted to do something to pay tribute to my friend and possible kin, Al Myers. I found this beautiful poem, written by Walt Whitman, which describes to me the way Al must have left this Vale of Tears. Goodbye old friend, and I dedicate this poem to your passing. Lovingly, Jay

The Last Invocation

At the last, tenderly,
From the walls of the powerful fortressed house,
From the clasp of the knitted locks, from the keep of the well-closed doors,
Let me be wafted.

Let me glide noiselessly forth;
With the key of softness unlock the locks-with a whisper,
Set ope the doors, O soul.

Tenderly--be not impatient,
(Strong is your hold, O mortal flesh,
Strong is your hold, 0 love.)

- Walt Whitman

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