Remembering Askew Marable

Remembering Askew Marable

Our dear friend died just the other day.

It was August Fourteen

On a Sunday when we did pray

For him, not knowing what later we would glean.

I remember our first meeting

At Saint Peter’s on a Thursday morn

When Askew came to me with his welcoming greeting,

A new friendship quickly born.

To know me he asked a few questions

And introduced me to other men.

First to Rector John, then others at the session,

We listened to British Pastor Graham Tomlin.

Betty, his bride of 64 years,

Was introduced to Askew

By a friend mutually dear.

George “Goober” Lindsey it was, who provided that glue.

Betty and Askew stalwarts at Church,

He ushered and she greeted,

For they the friendly faces strangers on Sunday searched.

Each welcomed newcomers and helped them to be seated.

Askew and I had our kind of joking.

Our first names at times misleading.

My name of “value” provoking,

His of “nobility” and fine breeding.

But one might view him obliquely

At an angle so askew,

 Failing to recognize discreetly

An honorable man, not one to casually eschew.

One Sunday morning while di-vesting,

With young Deacon Andrew at my side,

I asked usher Askew something interesting,

A question I knew Askew would abide.

Making sure Andrew’s attention grew,

I turned and asked Mr. Marable,

“There’s something I want to ask you, Askew.”

Andrew’s laughter became unbearable.

An honor to know Askew Marable,

A faithful servant of Our Lord,

Lay he today in casket coronal

He and his Savior now in one accord.

© Worth Earlwood Norman Jr

Birmingham, Alabama

August 19, 2016

Askew Marable obituary