The Good Man

He saw his life evaporate before his eyes

In one short sentence.

“We have reason to believe…”

He didn’t hear the rest.

This man of peace,

This gentle giant,

This loved and lovely man.

His wife and daughters came downstairs

Awash with disbelief.

With handcuffs on, they led him out to the waiting unmarked car.

His job,

His church,

His many friends,

Would suffer through his actions.

He grieved for them; the pain he would cause them when they heard of his arrest.

And the reason for it.

One small action, on one dark night

So long ago.

He hadn’t intended harm,

But taken by surprise, forgot his own strength.

One punch

In the dark,

So long ago.

He saw his life evaporate before his very eyes.

And felt relief.

For he was a good man,

This man of peace,

This gentle giant.

And the burden was now lifted from his shoulders

And from his mind.

And he was a good man.