The Watchman

The Watchman (pt. one)

Loneliness becomes him, as he sits waiting expectantly.
While the others have departed, he will not abandon his post.
They say many different people, live more exciting lives
With a sigh he waits knowingly, that his duty matters most.

A quite life, alone and removed, he watches life go by—
Never missing for a moment, the life he left behind.

His position and duty is to keep his people safe--
Safe from the dangers that rear when the people fall asleep.
Though there are distractions, in his life that is removed—
Yet he cannot leave his watchtower, His post he must keep.

The town never quite realizes, how much of him they are in need—
But if his horn were ever to blow, then his voice they must take heed!

Even when it’s dark, the threat of danger is the worst.
Watchman keep the fire burning, flickering through the night.
And keep your eyes fixated off to the distant horizon,
The lives of everyone, is depended upon your keen eyesight.

And if the enemy attacks, he must arouse the alarm to array
But until that day arrives, he waits silently and he prays.

Greg Butz
June 12th, 2009

Perhaps one of the most significant poems for me. This poem was first written two years ago, as I was preparing to go to Hong Kong and begin teaching. I later wrote a second draft of this poem, while I was in Macau (walking up a hill to fortress). The idea of being a watchman is very significant to me. Ezekiel was commanded by God to be the "watchman of his people." A watchman is someone who guards and warns the people of danger (Ezekiel 33). Why this is so significant to me, is I believe in similar fashion God has called me to be a watchman of some sorts -- its in my namesake. The name Greg literally means "the watchman" and I believe that there is still significance in this calling. Often I feel removed, giving advice through my perception-- i see things differently than others.

Sadly, the second version of this poem was lost when my prayer journal disappeared, but the Lord gives and he takes away. I unexpectantly located the first draft of it, updated it giving it a slightly different rhyming scheme, and now uploaded it for your enjoyment!