Salvation is by Faith

We were called into his room
where Jim
whispered
his last words
"Salvation is by Faith"

We were
breathless, breathtaken
kneeling...leaning in.....listening
clinging
to
each
breath
to
each
word
as
it
was
formed
so
carefully.

There was pain but he did not complain
Prayer was his salve
There could be no doubt
We absorbed God's promise
Brought alive by the bedside

Jim is imprinted
into Auburn
its soul and water
its rocks and grass and trees and people
His people
You, me, us, they, all.

Jim left us his gift of truth
A touch
A breath
He reached up

Salvation is by Faith.