Howard Gray

A long time ago I heard a song that I've never been able to get out of my head.  The name of the song is, Howard Gray.  It was written by Lee Domann a classmate of Howard Ray.  The lyrics to the song are:

Most every one I knew put the whole Gray family down. They were the poorest family in that little country town. Howard always looked too big for his funny ragged clothes. The kids all laughed at him and Jimmy Jones would thumb his nose. Howard sat across from me in seventh grade at school. I didn't like it much but mama taught the golden rule.

So when the spitballs flew at him I never would join in. I guess that was the reason Howard thought I was his friend. And after things would quiet down sometimes I'd turn and see. The grateful eyes of Howard Gray looking back at me.

Howard Gray, Howard Gray, somehow they got their kicks out of treating you that way. 
Deep down I kind of liked you but I was too afraid. To be a friend to you, Howard Gray.



One day after lunch, I went to comb my hair. And saw they had Howard pinned against a locker in the hall.
 They were poking fun about the big hole in his shirt. They had his left arm twisted back behind him 'til it hurt. 


To this day I can't explain and I won't try to guess.
 Just how it was I wound up laughing harder than the rest. 
 I laughed until I cried but through my tears I still could see,
the tear-stained eyes of Howard Gray, looking back at me.

Howard Gray, Howard Gray, I can't believe I joined them all Treating you that way. I wanted to apologize but I was too afraid Of what they'd think about me, Howard Gray.

From that moment on after I made fun of him. He never looked my way, he never smiled at me again. Not much longer after that his family moved away. And that's the last I ever saw or heard of Howard Gray. That was forty years ago and I still haven't found just why. We'll kick a brother or a sister when they're down. I know it may sound crazy but now and then I dream about the eyes of Howard Gray looking back at me.

Howard Gray, Howard Gray, I've never quite forgiven us for treating you that way. I hope that maybe somehow you'll hear this song someday and you'll know that I am sorry, Howard Gray. We'll probably never meet again, all I can do is pray. May you and God forgive us, Howard Gray.

I started the school year by playing this song for my middle school students.  Today, I invited the 7th and 8th graders to write either a poem or a short reflection on what the song means to them.  I've included some of their work in this post.

When they bully you,

You get hurt deep down inside,

It's hard to forgive.

(Megan 8th Grade)

Poor old Howard Gray,

Poor old Howard with no friends,

But he still had God.

(Cody 8th Grade)

Whom they always picked,

They were the poorest family,

Oh, now I'm sorry.

(Hannah 8th Grade)

Let God be with you,

Howard Gray and don't ever

Let him go away.

(Tommy 8th  Grade)

Dear old Howard Gray,

I'm sorry for what I did,

To you that day.

(James 8th Grade)

Howard, I'm sorry,

For what they have done to you,

You're a person, too.

(Shelby 8th  Grade)

This song really reminds me of Jesus.  Many people put Jesus down.  There were those who felt bad and prayed for forgiveness.  

All I do is Pray,

That you may forgive me God,

When I have done wrong.

(Maddie 8th Grade)

When I heard the song, Howard Gray, it made me very sad.  The song makes me think of times when I have joined in with the others.  I now try to stand up for others and not join in with the crowd.  It is important to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are hurting.

(Allie 8th Grade)

I hope we stay friends,

Howard I apologize,

For what I had done.

(Kyle 8th Grade)

Everyone I knew,

Put the whole Gray Family down,

I will pray for you.

(Tyler 8th Grade)

Look for more reflections and poems on the song, Howard Gray, in future posts.  In fact this entire school year you will have the privilege of reading students' reflections on the Gospel and every day living!