I was a minister of the gospel, very happily living my life for the Lord,
Preaching the Word every Sunday, in the spirit of affinity and accord.

I always knew that I would preach, for I had been called in my youth,
To perpetually serve the will of God, while forever speaking His truth.

Like the lush gardens of springtime, are all abloom with fresh purpose,
Spreading joy with their presence, in a gold, green ritual that is ageless.

I lived an exceedingly busy life, doing work that was dear to my heart,
As the artist gains much satisfaction, at completing a new work of art.

My family was engrossed in the church, my children sang in the choir,
As birds sing of summer evenings, when ruby sun sets a world on fire!

Our church congregation was devout, and we held many charity drives,
As snowy winter holds its breath, until the moment rosy spring arrives.

These fundraisers were successful, for there are immense joys in giving,
As flowers diffuse the scents of summer, to express nature joys of living.

But often I became despondent, as needs always seemed to be greater,
Than our capacity to meet them, and I really wished that we were abler.

But like boisterous foaming rapids, soon we were amidst another drive,
To deliver necessary aid to the poor, and to hopefully better many lives.

I was leaving the church one day, when a young lady began conversing,
Saying she admired our work, as burgundy blooms from buds emerging.

As we talked my footsteps slowed, for I was intensely enjoying this chat,
I assumed she was a new member, whom I hadn't noticed where she sat.

My car was in the shop that day, and my bus stop was getting no nearer,
While we walked and talked time away, and the limpid moon arose silver.

At the bus stop, we finally parted, and she said her name was Charlotte.
We smiled and wished each other well, and I knew that I liked her a lot!

I found I had missed my bus, and another would not be along for a while,
So, I sat upon the green bench to wait, thinking of Charlotte with a smile.

Much later, when I watched the news, I learned there had been a crash,
And the bus I'd missed had been involved, a terribly tragic news flash!

I immediately uttered prayers for those involved, and for their families,
And I thanked the Lord for sparing me, from being one of the casualties.

I did not see Charlotte in church on Sunday, but hoped she would return,
Meanwhile we resumed our fundraising, as birdsong that never adjourns.

There were also donations pouring in, yet with so much still to be done,
Even more resources were needed, as raindrops falling in beaming sun.

One day a letter came to the church, that oddly bore no return address,
Only the familiar name 'Charlotte,' and no surname did the mail possess.

Inside, I was mystified to discover, a very brief note and a lottery ticket,
Like a sudden pause in manic birdsong, lasting for more than a minute.

The note said, "From your friend, Charlotte, for your new charity drive."
As beaming smiles and laughter, work together to keep happiness alive.

I smiled fondly at Charlotte's faith, and hoped I'd see her come Sunday,
As marvelous time is always surging, towards golden shores of someday.

Charlotte's ticket was a million-dollar winner, much to my stunned delight.
And she told me she was my guardian angel, in a dream one velvet night.

But I never saw sweet Charlotte again, except at times, in other dreams,
Like the memory of the mellow noonday, when the sun's turned tangerine!