Weep Not, Weep Not
Arabella F. Littlepage

Have you ever read something –a poem, a story or even a letter –that you knew was written just for you? Has a phrase ever just comforted you in such a way that made you know everything would be alright? Well I have, and it came at a time when I needed it the most. During the midst of despair and loneliness there was a ray of light.

Weep not, weep not,
He is not dead;
He’s resting in the bosom of Jesus.

Heart-broken parents –weep no more;
Grief-stricken sister –weep no more;
Left-lonesome friends –weep no more;
He’s only just gone home.

As I read that I stopped and reflected on his life. He is a true solider in every respect. He fought a long hard battle with brain tumors. Some might say he lost the battle on January 16, 2000, but I say he attainted his ultimate reward. In only 18 years, he touched more people and taught more lessons than many teachers, counselors, and preachers. Do you want to know about faith? Look at his life. Do you want to know about determination? Look at his life. Do you want to know about perseverance? Look at his life. Do you want to now about defying the odds? Look at his life. Do you want to know how Job felt when all he had was taken away? Look into his eyes. Do you want to know the true meaning of loyalty? Look at his family and the few close friends who stood by him until the end. He was more courageous than I ever was. Even after being diagnosed with a brain tumor and being told he would never walk again he kept going. Not only did he deify the odds by walking again, and graduating from High School as one of only two African-American males in the National Honor Society, but also he enrolled in college as a mechanical engineering major!!! His actions inspired me to never give up on anything. But, as I reflect I am angry at myself for complaining about my situation. I have no right to complain about the trials and tribulations that I face as I move down the road of life because I was given the chance to have these trials and tribulations –he wasn’t.

And God said: Go down, Death, go down,
Go down to Huntsville, Alabama,
Down in the Tennessee Valley,
And find Brother Ryan.
He’s borne the burden and heat of the day,
He’s labored long in my vineyard,
And he’s tired –
He’s weary –
Go down, Death, and bring him to me.”

All over the county we cried, questioned, and tried to console each other.

But Death didn’t frighten Brother Ryan;
He looked to him like a welcomed friend.
…
And Jesus took his own hand and wiped away his tears,
And he smoothed the furrows from his face,
And the angels sand a little song,
And Jesus rocked him in His arms,
And kept a-saying: Take your rest,
Take your rest, take your rest.

As we grapple with those tough thoughts –Why did he have to go through this? He didn’t deserve any of it. He was a great kid, Why? Why? Why? –I say to us what James Weldon Johnson said,

Weep not, --weep not,
He is not dead, 
He is resting in the bosom of Jesus.

*All quotes adapted from James Weldon Johnson, "Go Down Death".

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© 2000 Howard University. H. Patrick Swygert, President
(First Published in limited print edition by
The Composition for Honours Class, College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, Spring 2000.)
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