A Latter-Day Prophet

Today I had the idea to share a poem I wrote that I hold very dear to my heart.  I wrote this when I was about 18. 

A Latter-Day Prophet

By: Rachel McKernan

A young contemplative boy confused

By the many different religious sects and doctrinal fudes

A scripture struck him deep to the heart one day

And he knew he must ask God of the truth in faith

He retired to a secluded area in the woods on a beautiful spring day

He knelt on his knees, and to our Father in Heaven, began to pray

A light descended from above

God once again speaking to his daughters and sons

A faithful young boy-not yet a man

Commanded to be an instrument in our Heavenly Father’s hands

The light was so glorious and bright-as though the leaves would catch fire

But the reverends, priests, and people labeled him nothing but a liar

All the persecution and malice

The young boy had not asked for this

Why condemn him for telling the truth?

This young, obscure boy just entering his youth

Joseph never denied it once

He endured to the end

Made the complete ordinances of Christ’s gospel available to the children of men

Joseph prophesied, “I go like a lamb to the slaughter”

A few days later in Carthage Jail, the latter-day prophet was martyred

Joseph Smith’s mission on this earth was complete

He gave this world all the understanding and truth we would ever need

His life had been in the hand’s of our Father above

The faithful prophet’s testimony was sealed in his blood

He resides with the prophets of old in glory

He shall be resurrected and exalted on the glorious first morning!