Faith Of A Child

The father, a well digger,
strong was he,
And as loving and kind
as a father could be.

And Mary his daughter,
Just five years old,
Was much dearer
than millions in gold.

To Mary her father
was big, grand and nice,
So each had a treasure,
beyond any price.

One day to the well,
little Mary was sent,
To take daddy his lunch,
so gladly she went.

But when she looked down,
not a thing could she see.
The well, like a pocket,
was dark as could be.

The father saw Mary
and heard her voice too,
But made not a sound,
just to see what she'd do.

She dropped to her knees,
the dear little soul,
And called down, "Oh, Daddy,
are you down in this hole?"

"Why, yes Mary darling,
I'm here at your feet,
Just drop my lunch
for I'm ready to eat.

Just let it go easy,
I'll catch it all right."
She did, and she saw
it fall out of sight.

"Why Mary," said father,
"There's enough here for two,
Now this is what
I'd like you to do.

You jump down here to me
and we'll eat it together,
Down here where it's cool,
and away from the weather."

"Oh, daddy, I'm afraid,
I can't see you at all.
Be sure you catch me,
and don't let me fall."

'Twas just for a moment
she wavered in doubt,
Then closing her dear
little eyes, she jumped out.

Into the darkness, yes,
that was the test,
She trusted in faith,
at her father's request.

And both were so happy
he kissed her and smiled.
Because of the sweet
trusting faith of his child.

"Oh, sweet little Mary,
you put me to shame.
How often my heavenly Father
Has called me to do the same.

But because I could not see,
I turned back in doubt.
Refusing to trust His call,
though His arms were stretched out."


~ David Velazquez ~
Copyright © 1998

[ by: David Velazquez, Copyright © 1998 -- from Al Ashman {used with permission} ]