Darrel Sparkman
1963 – 2012

Cousin, I hardly knew you
but I love your parents
and you loved mine.
A sanctuary suffused with flowers,
over-filled with folks,
balcony full, overflowing
to Fellowship Hall,
you led a solemn parade
stretching miles.
I heard of a man of few words
except in song,
kindly doing favors,
vanishing before gratitude.
A man gone far too soon,
kind deeds, skill and wisdom
reflecting a life well lived.