B/R Rapport Established: A Cleveland Cavaliers Fan's Need Was Expressed

A young man was excited that John Fennelly wrote a comment to him. His name is Dexter Faircloth.

That same young man came up to me on August 10, 2009. His father is ailing and he wanted me to write a poem for him. I said I would. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of ending the semester, I forgot to call him to my desk.

Today, after a night of tossing and turning because I ate too much spicy food, I looked for Dexter. I wanted to encourage him, mainly, no doubt, because I needed encouragement.

I beckoned for Dexter to come and sit at the desk with me. He had a quietness about him. Dexter is another young person who has joined B/R. His written responses to the discussion and writing exercises I integrated into my teaching are well-written and thought-provoking.

One of his favorite teams is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are also listed as his favorites in his profile.

I said, "Dexter, sit here with me while I write this poem for your father." He watched, intently, almost in disbelief.

"You asked for a poem," I quipped, "and I want you to sit near, to experience how the words flow, sometimes, out of me and onto the paper or computer screen."

A few questions were asked of him to temper my mind. Here is the poem for Dexter. It may not be technically superior, but it comes from the heart:

To Vernon Wright, My father

From Dexter Faircloth

August 11, 2009

 

I Love, Dad

A father is a man who  surely cares.

His expressions sometimes are hard to hear,

But in due time, my spiritual ear

Hears all the wisdom that he shares.

To love a father is the first command,

That promises long life to man.

That life is spent right here and then

Through Christ, that life will so extend

Into eternity, forevermore.

God’s  grace and love,

Is present for

Us to sit beside our Lord.

And praise His name,

The All-knowing God

Who knows what’s best

In seasons to come,

By faith, this race…We will continue to run.

May all go well for the new B/R member, Dexter Faircloth, who, apparently, needs encouragement from a B/R writer.

We never really know how our words help, heal, or even hinder the emotional well-being of others. One thing we do know...We must write!