Alignment of Fates

The patrons in the old saloon distrusted his intent

And aimed their sidearms at the stranger everywhere he went

But one thing or another made them hesitate to shoot

He fed the poor, relieved the dying, saved the destitute

He advocated kindness and declared all fates align

And so it was, but then they heard a rumbling in the mine.

They tried to mount a rescue but it wasn’t any use

The thought of it was awful, that they couldn’t get him loose

It’s long past time when we could tell who wanted him undone

They held his head up roughly and returned him to the sun

Happy were the blessed with their water turned to wine

Their revels were disrupted by a rumbling in the mine.

They sheltered in the cloak room where his garments still are kept

Brave singing could be overheard, and some among them wept

No virtual reminders could articulate your gift

All languages were scrambled and all boats were set adrift

They measured out the wisdom, sure our fates would soon entwine

But as the sermon closed they heard a rumbling in the mine.

I forgot to compliment you on the wealth of your disguise

And “Let It Snow” was special pleading, a cappella-wise

Your frosty tale inspired me to bury anthems past

I would have posed another, but was not up to the task

So take this slight confession and co-mingle it with thine

The last thing I remember is a rumbling in the mine.