Where Is That Smile Now?

I started writing this poem at the missionary farewell for Guy Newgren II. Guy and his family were converts to the church and he had had his share of problems. He had gone through several years of inactivity and now had come back and had been called on a mission. As I sat and looked at him on the stand, I was impressed by the way that he simply beamed. His smile truly lit up his whole face. I was sure that he would have a successful mission because of his winning smile and the way that the spirit of the Lord seems to be with him. And I suppose that I sensed a feeling of loss. During those years of inactivity many of us had prayed that he would return to be with us and now that he had, he was leaving. This poem I dedicate to Guy Dean Newgren II. One of the many people in this life that I wish I had gotten to know better.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger
1 May 1988

When he was just a little boy
His smile lit up his eyes.
He seemed so bright he'd surely do
What ere his hands would try.

I watched him run and watched him fall
And watched him try again.
Such courage surely will defeat
Any foe that life can send.

But then one day I missed that smile,
Those eyes so bright with hope.
I missed the boy who spread such joy
And gave me strength to cope.

The world without that cheerful smile,
Seemed a little less somehow.
Where are those eyes so bright with hope?
Where is that smile now?

But then one day I thought I saw
A smile 'neath youthful eyes.
A boy now grown into a man
With all which that implies.

A man who'd heard a call from God
Through a prophet here on earth,
A man who knows the plan of life
And what a soul is worth.

And now he's gone to spread the word
And find the pure in heart,
To all of those who'll hear his word
His message to impart.

May the Lord of all now bless his path
And help him find his way,
And return to us a man of strength
To share his smile some day.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger
1 May 1988