WATCHTOWER – SONG, November 19, 2025

Hup usually took Gracie for a walk out in various parts of the community during a time of day that the people who lived there would be either in their yards or on an evening stroll. He would pray with Cordia before going out that God would use that time to his glory. That particular early evening, he was walking in the Hartshorne district, which consisted of older homes and even older white Oaks. There, Hup stopped under an Oak where a young boy occupied a treehouse. 

 

“What’cha doin’ Mister?” The boy called out.

 

“Walking my dog. Gracie. What are you doing?”

 

“Watchin’. Haven’t seen you before.”

 

Hup studied the lad for a moment. “Well, I do believe I’ve seen you.”

 

“You have?” the boy exclaimed. 

 

“Yes, in church,” Hup replied. He thought he knew the boy’s parents, Jeff and Stacy Highsmith. 

 

“Haven’t seen you, mister” 

 

“No, I don’t suppose you would have. There’s so many new things to see… new people… other children your age.” Hup paused and looked at the tree house. Made of solid oak planking, as its master-holder. “Quite a fortress, your tower. You can see all the way up the street and down the street, without straining your neck. I’m sure you’ve fought many battles from that tower.”

 

“Yes sir. How do you know that?”

 

“Well, I was a boy once – we had our towers – high up in the trees… not as elegant as yours though. Yours is made from the same wood as the tree its in. It’ll last for a long time.”

 

“Did yours last?”

 

“Mine? No. We used whatever wood we could get our hands on… patched it up as we went.”

 

“Dad made mine.”

 

“Jeff – right? Your mom is Stacy.”

 

“Yes sir. So you know them.”

 

“As I said, I know them – church. Your dad did a great job… elegant handiwork… choice of materials… standing tall amidst the strong branches. Yes, I’m sure you can fend off an army from where you are – looking out, ever watchful of both sides of the street, behind and before.” 

 

“Huh?” the young boy appeared confused, but muttered, “Yeah. I suppose.”

 

What Hup wasn’t about to say out loud, but found himself reflecting upon were 5th and 6th verses in Chapter Four. The night before, the men had never made it there. Ron’s joke about breasts had shut the room down faster than a fire alarm. Hup then smiled to himself—sometimes the Spirit protects what isn’t ready to be seen. Hup wasn’t about say out loud about the two breasts which were like two young roes – twins – that fed among the lilies – no, no, no – not to the boy. What struck Hup then, as he looked up and down the street from under the tower fortress, was a view of old and new covenant… twins of grace that mother church would feed the lilies. Again, from the perspective of Solomon, he was looking forward to Christ’s 1st advent. Hup too was looking forward – same Lord and King, to Christ’s second. Then he thought about the aroma that drew Solomon: myrrh and frankincense. But then Hup wondered – where was the gold? Why was it not mentioned? He then knew. The gold was still in them thar mountains – waiting.

 

“Mister? Hey mister?” the boy called out. “I gotta go. Mom called me. See you in church.”

 

“Yes, I’ll see you too!” Hup called out.

 

“My name’s Henry.”

 

“Yes, see you later Henry. I have no doubt.”