Our Boys

Thomas Hemminger

February 11, 2024

We have a troop of boys. 

They hike every trail they find. 

They’ve hiked the flowing grasslands of North Texas,

the hilly woods of eastern Oklahoma, 

and the high mountains near Taos, New Mexico. 

They form up. 

They count off.

“Hiking!” from the front. 

“Hike on!” from the back. 

We watch in awe as

they bear the weight of their packs,

walking sticks in hand.

Each one saunters along

pretty noisily at first. 

Then, they settle into the journey

and march on quietly, 

knowing the work is theirs to do.  

With each bend in the trail, 

with every difficulty met and mastered, 

with every heavy breath

we see them grow before our eyes. 

Where did my little boy go?

Who is this young man I see standing here

so resolute, so determined? 

I thought this trail would be longer.

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.