We had a good Jimmy Blackmon Memorial today, just as we always do,
And nerves were wearing a little thin, as activities were almost through,
When the Little Black Boy approached me, as I was getting medals ready to award
And said, "Will you tell me about Orienteering, if you have some time to afford"?

My first reaction was less than positive. Didn't he know my energy was spent
And couldn't he see I was very busy, with all the awards to present?
But for some reason I did not tell him, that I did not have time for such stuff,
And that he should ask such questions, when conditions for me are not so rough.

But as fate would have it I noticed, that one of our ALTOS Instructors was close by,
Observing the conversation with interest, with a compassionate and caring eye.
For there was the Little Black Boy looking, for directions to a life filled with joy
And the one that might help provide it, did not have time for the Little Black Boy.

Jimmy Durham, the ALTOS Instructor, stepped in with caring style
And invited the boy to be seated, and said, "Let's chat for a little while".
The Little Black Boy was excited, that someone would show such concern
For him and his desire to explore the things, that he had always wanted to learn.

After an hour or so they completed their discussion, about how an Orienteer Orienteers,
And parted with a handshake, which filled my eyes with tears.
For in the face of the Little Black Boy, I saw a look of sincere appreciation
For the time that Jimmy had spent with him, and the hope of future association.

Wouldn't it be a blessing, if we would always take the time
To be with these littlest of His, to help give their lives a poetic rhyme,
To provide hope for their future, to plant a seed that will surely grow,
To see how love can nurture a young life, and by God's Grace, make it glow?
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