Words & Music © 1999 Judith Hanlon
Vocals: Karen Johnson & Keith Jacobson,
Guitar & harmonica: Keith Jacobson

Six men died in the Worcester fire, December 5, 1999. The international outpouring, the attention of dignitaries from the U. S. and many countries, the number of firefighters that swarmend into the ciry of Worcester -- did not seem commensurate to the event. People die all over the world in the line of duty. What happened in Worcester, Ma., that Friday night? I contend that the Christian message, that ALL ARE WORTHY is compelling and life giving and speaks to the soul of humanity. The folklore that grew is a story found in the IRISHY ballad below. That is our Christ story. And, when in happens, it shakes the corners of the earth. It calls folks to gather in love. That is what happned in this diner town.

In a city of diners right in Central Mass
A story weaves a power that surely will last
As we sit at the counters of life and of bread.
Our souls have surely been fed.
Through tears our spirits are fed.
On a dark Friday night, the fire bell rang out
The response was a ritual,
the ending was not
They rushed into the building
with duty -- with pride
"Someone’s inside"
Hey, there’s a guy from the diner inside.
And from counter to counter,
we’re all just the same
We all have some hopes,
we all have a name
That first cup of coffee that
clears morning eyes
Is the cup another provides
It’s the same cup another provides
They died to save others,
we must walk in their stead
As we sit at the counter of our Life
and of our Bread
The highways we travel
will lead to our shrines
And in kneeling,
we’ll remember each time…..
Jerry, Joe, Paul, Tim, Jay and Tom
With the drumbeat of history time
WILL go on
But something has changed here
in this diner town
A Warehouse of Mercy resounds
May grace, peace, and mercy abound
For from counter to counter
we’ll all just the same
We all have some hopes,
we all have a name
The Body that was broken
must clear mourning eyes
And the Cup of Blessing provide.
Dear God, your mercy provide.

Warehouse of Mercy

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