The man with the brown beard 

The man with the brown beard

looked down at the boy

with a wide smile he asked

"What are you doing child?"

The boy covered in dirt

looked up with his round eyes

removing his over sized shirt

as he began to rise.

"Nothing sir , just playing"

he said slowly, looking at his tiny hands.

"With the dirt?"asked the brown bearded man

"Not just the dirt sir , but also the rocks , the grass and the sand.

The man with the brown beard heartily laughed.

"Where are your parents, son?" he asked.

The sweet boy turned misty eyed ,"They are dead"

with tears falling and his voice choking that was all he said.

The man with the brown beard picked up the child

he heard all the sobbing and then he smiled

"From today never believe that you have no one,

for, now I am your father and you are my son.

I promise to look after you" said the brown bearded man.

And he did keep his promise for his entire life span.

He gave him education , he gave him food.

He made him wise and kind and was never rude.

Sometimes mild , sometimes wild 

He taught his son the lessons of life.

Now many years have passed since that day.

Its been long since anyone has seen the child play.

 For he is now no more a child but a man,

loving and caring for his father more than any son can.

As for the man with the brown beard

the beard has become white.

He is now revered 

by all in his sight.

He has fulfilled his promise

and to heaven he will rise.

For such a selfless story has been less heard

like that of the man with the brown beard.