This poem is a story about Jimmy and Sarah. Jimmy is the kind of boy who lives for the moment – the free-spirited type who tends to never stand still. But then he meets Sarah – a soft spoken, meek type of girl, raised in an abusive home, clinging to her faith to pull her through. When they meet, Jimmy introduces Sarah to the freedom that he longs for as he watches the big rigs roll through town and Sarah inspires Jimmy with her faith in the Lord. They may have grown up with different circumstances and aspirations, but their differences are what drew them to each other and ultimately strengthened their bond. It’s funny (actually, it’s awesome) how the Lord can use the simplest things as a catalyst to form incredible relationships!
BOYSENBERRIES
By Trevor Hardwick
Jimmy was a boy with a hand-me-down bicycle,
Who spent his summer days just ridin’ around.
He found a little spot on a hill by the interstate,
Watchin’ all the big rigs on the outskirts of town.
Sarah was a soft-spoken daughter of a drinkin’ man,
With dirty little shoes and tangled-up hair.
She would hum tunes while pickin’ all the boysenberries,
Jimmy always wondered what she’s doing down there.
He was on his way to his spot by the interstate,
And mustered-up the courage just to ask for her name.
She was pretty quiet but she offered it reluctantly,
With a crooked little smile that ignited a flame.
It didn’t take long and the two were inseparable,
A matter of perspective when you’re ten years old.
Sarah spoke to Jimmy ‘bout the Lord she was singin’ to,
Jimmy talked to Sarah ‘bout his love for the road.
She would claim it took her far away from the tragedy,
She was facing daily when she got back home.
He would tell her all about the distant destinations,
Out there on the highway where the semi-trucks roam.
She would take a ride on his duct-taped banana seat,
He would take her up to the hillside at night.
Carrying a blanket and a basketful of boysenberries,
Sharing simple stories in the dwindling light.
Jimmy was a wildcard the pedal-to-the-metal kind,
Livin’ for the moment never taking it slow.
But Sarah had a way of speaking to his softer side,
And pointing to the Savior who created his soul.
Sarah was an easy going meek and timid tender type,
Covering the wounds she endured every day.
But Jimmy made her feel like another world existed,
Where the big wheels would roll and carry her away.
Was it something in the air or possibly the boysenberries?
Jimmy felt the butterflies stirring within.
Sarah started noticing her singing and her praying,
Was becoming more desperate when she wasn’t with him.
Years rolled by like the truckers on the interstate,
Jimmy told Sarah he would make her his wife.
With a crooked little smile she agreed enthusiastically,
Drastically forgetting all her previous strife.
Now he pushes wind in a boysenberry Peterbilt,
He’s never been the kind who could ever stand still.
Sarah takes her turn at the wheel on the interstate,
Going where they dreamed once upon that hill.
Maybe it’s the bike with the busted-up banana seat,
Maybe it’s the smile from a broken home.
Maybe it’s the songs and the basketful of boysenberries,
What brought these two together may remain unknown.
Jimmy offered Sarah an escape from her circumstance,
And Sarah gave direction for his wandering soul.
But don’t forget Who Sarah sent her songs and praises to,
The One who brought her Jimmy, she brought Jimmy to know.