Horseshoes In Heaven

A tribute to Richard A. Brandon from his son.

You were just a boy, but quickly became a man,

When they sent you off to Viet Nam.

God preserved your life and brought you home,

There you met a girl to call your own.

To the church you sped

On that day to wed,

In your hurry to cross the street

Your maker, you did almost meet.

In your younger days you threw a shoe,

Through the air and into a pit it flew.

Friends would cheer, when it clanged and hit the pin

Boy, I sure hope they have horseshoes in Heaven.

Once you said “I do,” your life was no longer your own,

No longer would you burden of the terrors from that war alone

Now you had someplace and someone to call your own.

A place where you would throw a shoe,

Through the air and into a pit it flew.

Friends would cheer, when it clanged and hit the pin

Boy, I sure hope they have horseshoes in Heaven.

Now a son was born to you and Mom

A precious gift from the One above

Not soon after a girl was born, too.

Not just one child, but two to love.

In your younger days you threw a shoe,

Now you’d have others to throw one, too.

Friends would cheer, when it clanged and hit the pin

Boy, I sure hope they have horseshoes in Heaven.

Now your earthly time is done

But the memory of your selfless acts carries on

Your smile and gentle nature reached those who were recluse,

To resist your charm and kindness it was no use.

In your younger days you threw a shoe,

Through the air and into a pit it flew.

Friends would cheer, when it clanged and hit the pin

Boy, I sure hope they have horseshoes in Heaven.

One day, when my life passes me by

And I journey to that home up in the sky

I’ll search out the man whom I truly loved

I’ll find a shoe and toss it like a dove.

Then you’ll cheer, when it clangs and hits the pin,

And, I’ll know for sure they have horseshoes Heaven.

Ó Timothy L. Brandon. 2026