A Poet Died this Christmas

Mary Fogel

February 1, 2026

For Milton Jordon

No flowery effervescence required

A man of the cloth

Social justice

In his craw

At a time when men like that

Are needed

His spirit moved

Into mystery

I’m glad I had a chance

To meet him

My words took on ballast

Each time 

I read 

His phrases

The good reverend could sure

Take evil apart

Pure river current

Through streets of despair

Always illumined

With truth around the edges

Well done, faithful servant

We’re glad you were here

Mary Fogel is a poet and late-blooming adventurer.  She retired from the counseling field and child advocacy in 2018.  In 2023, she faced the losses of her husband of 18 years and of her best friend.  Although she had been writing poetry for 20 years, her focus on writing became central to her recovery.  Mary has been fortunate to fall in love again, find a writing group,  and begin a new life in 2025 that involves a great deal of joy and gratitude.