One Monday in New York
A dear friend of mine, Norma Cook, told me the story of her visit to NY City the day before 9-11. She saw the preacher on the street corner telling people to repent. The next day, lives would be changed forever.
It was my first trip to New York City from my little country town
I climbed the steps from Port Authority and began to look around
The streets were full of bustle, people hurrying here and there
All speaking different languages, they had come from everywhere
I strolled Broadway and 5th Avenue, viewed St. Patrick’s regal splendor
Window shopped at Bloomingdales and toured Rockefeller Center
I gazed at Lady Liberty in the harbor, as ships were passing by
Above all soared the Twin Towers, reaching high into the sky
Then something drew my attention from all these postcard sights
In the midst of all the hubbub, taxi cabs and traffic lights
On the corner stood a preacher dressed in a suit of black
Holding high in his hand a Bible he had taken from his pack
No one seemed to take notice as they hurried quickly by
But I stopped awhile to listen as a tear glistened in his eye
He was telling about Jesus, begging all to believe and to repent
The year was two thousand one, the day September 10th
On that day no one realized that their life might quickly end
They were too busy in their lifestyles to be troubled by their sin
It was as if this were a warning to redeem our eternal souls
But we are absorbed in daily living, attaining earthly goals
Let us learn the lesson wisely; we don’t know what is our fate
Let’s make sure are hearts are right with God, before it is too late
As the rich young ruler in the Bible who too ignored his plight
God might decide on this day, to require our soul tonight
Sue Ikerd
Copyright September 8, 2003 ©