April 10, 2014

No Shoes in Heaven

In fond memory of Mr. Jim Flaherty

December 30, 1949 ~ April 10, 2014

there is a hole in us today

we are diminished

our nation so much smaller

than when we awoke

our beating heart is stilled

our guiding hand removed

a man of honour is no more

our nation is bereft

has lost its finest soul

oh bright sun, your glory veil

shine not on we who weep

oh clouds, obscure the sky

as we mourn our grievous loss

our loved and honoured friend

now honours brighter realms

his shoeless feet now dance

within the courts of God

At his funeral, Prime Minister Harper spoke these words:

“I don’t want you to misunderstand me, I do not grieve for Jim.

I know that for Jim, the Lord has prepared a place where he

can be free from the afflictions of recent times, and in joy.”