James C. Keaster Sr. 

Greenville, Illinois, USA 

  
 
 

James C. Keaster was born in Harrisburg, IL, November 19, 1923. He earned his BA at David Lipscomb College in Nashville, TN, and his master's degree at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL. As a minister, he often substituted as a teacher. Then, for 25 years he taught and filled in as a preacher.While teaching English and Speech, he directed plays and musicals. His wife of 52 years, also a teacher, blessed him with two sons, one a bank Vice President, the other a university professor.Having retired, he makes friends by traveling and through ham radio.
 

Earth Angel

Did I not know much better than
That angels here may trod;
I'd feel that I, the only man,
Was hugely blessed by God.

Your presence makes existence, life.
Your voice attunes my ear.
A calming breeze in times of strife,
A mate without a peer.

How oft you've placed yourself at loss
To just supply my whim,
And gave no thought to what it cost.
No doubt, you are a gem.

Your love o'erlooks my weaknesses
Nor does it ever wane.
My life is one of blessedness.
Without you all is vain.

Perhaps, if days are granted me,
I might return a jot
Of that I owe. I must agree
My debt is quite a lot.

The years have made you dearer, Thel.
I could not write your worth
Had I the ink to fill a wall,
And largest pen on earth.

All poems Copyright © 1997 James C. Keaster Sr. All rights reserved.