Brother Poet NittyGrit,
This piece is simply wonderful. It is bluesy and truly sings. It is rich with history and delightful details about the subject's initial journey away from his roots and then eventually back to them. The imagery is stark. I could see, feel, touch: the subject, his family members, his lowlife friends, church members and even the unspoken city dwellers. The dusty road he traveled kicked its dirt up in my face. There is so much here that I will revisit over and over again. I love every line but especially, "let the church say a man." This line is inventive and has staying power. I will remember it forever. Beautiful sermon. Thanks for sharing.
(smile)