tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50241829282825217172023-07-17T22:01:49.208-07:00The Best of Slim AcresHarold A. Pickett, a.k.a. Slim Acres, was a well-known poet and popular after-dinner speaker from Ohio. Over a period of about 50 years, he published a number of books of his down-home country poetry; his most recent, Eighty After Eighty, was a collection of 80 poems written after he turned 80 years old. Slim was my father, and he passed away on June 24, 2009, at the age of 96. This blog, a weekly update of the best of his poems, is meant as a tribute to his talents.Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-37104975028039995162012-06-22T15:16:00.000-07:002012-06-24T04:06:41.016-07:00FOOT PRINTS<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: It is fitting that this poem, my personal favorite, brings to a close almost three years of weekly poems published at this blog. It is fitting also in that it marks, to the day, three years since Dad left our world on June 24 (although it still seems like yesterday). To those who have stopped by for a weekly glimpse at his talents, I offer my whole-hearted thanks. I'm sure he'd echo that sentiment; nothing much gave him more pleasure than knowing that one of his poems had elicited a smile, or an outright chuckle, to brighten someone else's day. It's been a wonderful three-year journey for me, and I hope you'll come back once in a while. I know I will.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a long, long path a-winding</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All along the way I've come,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tho' I'll never be returning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to where I started from;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But others who may follow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will perhaps discover where</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've gone along before them</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And left my foot prints there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember, in the springtime,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My stride was firm and strong;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My foot steps never faltered,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I hurried right along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were places where I tarried,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And where I seemed to stray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But then I straightened out again,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And proceeded on my way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My earnest hope is others may</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See where I've traveled thru,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And left some marks to follow,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And a few impressions too;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thru the burning sands of summer,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And across the winter snow,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd like to leave behind me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some foot prints when I go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trail is growing narrow--</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where it ends they'll put a stone;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I hope to be remembered</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not because of that alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Descending down the mountainside</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Into the vale below,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd like to leave behind me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some foot prints when I go.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-51810629628927804592012-06-17T05:12:00.000-07:002012-06-17T05:12:22.727-07:00A BETTER MIEN<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: "Good humor is habit-forming, but sometimes it takes a little forced practice until you become addicted," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smile all the smiles you can today,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't save them till tomorrow;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For, any hour along the way,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may encounter sorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grin all the grins that you can show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To fellow men this morning;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For tragedy can strike, you know,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without a minute's warning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chuckle all the chuckles you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can muster, though you're battered,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As if to keep on smiling through</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was the only thing that mattered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We never know what Fate will bring,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or what may be impending,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But still, we can't plan everything</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As if the world were ending.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The purpose of my little verse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is not to scare or frighten;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I suggest you could do worse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Than have your bearing brighten.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make the most of every day,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And everything that's in it;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let bad humor waste away</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A single precious minute!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>--Acres of Verse (1994)</i></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-47492621457676199222012-06-10T05:40:00.000-07:002012-06-10T05:40:00.813-07:00WORKING TOGETHER<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some people work together</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In accordance, it would seem;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They complement each other,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like peaches go with cream;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But Lucy has her own way</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of doing things, you see,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, being fair about it,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You could say the same for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, she is doing her work</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I am doing mine;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's just the way we like it,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we get along just fine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're raking leaves this morning,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we do it every year;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is in the front yard,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I am in the rear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're not inclined to battle,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not the kind to fight and fuss;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll seldom find a couple</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More compatible than us;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But we avoided trouble</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By learning at the start,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We work together better</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we're half a mile apart!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>--Acres of Verse (1994)</i></span><br />Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-436086764465635232012-06-03T04:46:00.002-07:002012-06-03T04:46:44.437-07:00TURNIP GREENS<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: "I once had an aunt who thought little boys couldn't grow up straight and tall unless they consumed great quantities of vegetables, especially the leafy green type -- and this she endeavored to impress upon me," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. "She never succeeded."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was brought up in the country,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I learned, when just a boy,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be thankful for the blessings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was given to enjoy;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure not high-falootin',</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I'm not a man of means,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But if you please, don't ever try</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To feed me turnip greens!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mother always taught me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That it was very rude</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For little boys to grumble,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or complain about their food;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were 'bout as poor as church mice,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I know what hunger means,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I never did get quite so low</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As to eat no turnip greens!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I enjoy good country cookin'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More than I could ever tell,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I'll always come a-runnin'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When they ring the dinner bell;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not a fussy eater,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And my fancy always leans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Towards old-fashioned vittles,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But not t'wards turnip greens!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, dandelions ain't so bad,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When they're fixed with bacon grease,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But turnip greens, like spinach,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Were made for ducks and geese!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could live on corn and taters,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I don't mind navy beans,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But please, dear Lord, deliver me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From eatin' turnip greens!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>--Acres of Verse (1994)</i></span><br />
<br />Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-29488533405246867312012-05-27T05:29:00.001-07:002012-05-27T05:29:28.615-07:00WIGGLIN' MY TOES<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: "The ability to relax is worth a lot in this modern rate race," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. "Lucy says I'm the best relaxer she ever saw."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A man of simple pleasures,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not very hard to please,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, without a bit of trouble,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can put myself at ease</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a day of aggravation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is a-drawin' to a close,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By lyin' on the davenport</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jist a-wigglin' my toes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a most effective method</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To improve your muscle tones,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It relaxes all your tensions,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it loosens up your bones;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can minimize your worries,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And forget about your woes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By lyin' on the davenport,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jist a-wigglin' your toes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some men prefer to go and spend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An evening on the town,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And slop a little alcohol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To help 'em settle down;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It gives a high-strung feller</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More enjoyment, I suppose,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Than lyin' on the davenport,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jist a-wigglin' his toes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>--Autumn Acres (1982)</i></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-21445302952680438552012-05-20T04:06:00.000-07:002012-05-20T04:06:24.504-07:00GRANDPA'S TODDLER<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: "In relationships between the very young and the very old, generation gaps are often temporarily bridged," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's nothing in the world, I guess,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can bring a Grandpa joy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As much as holding on his knee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little toddler boy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or teaching him his letters,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also how to count to ten,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And reading favorite stories</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To him, time and time again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretending you can't find him,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When he hides behind the door,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And letting him defeat you,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shooting marbles on the floor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The little fellow never</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wants to get undressed for bed;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He'd rather play with Grandpa,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Till he falls asleep instead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But time has made a difference,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I regret to say</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things are just not quite the same</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As they were yesterday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scotty doesn't seem to care</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For marbles any more;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our toddler weighs one-eighty-five,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And stands at six-foot-four!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>--Acres of Verse (1994)</i></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-10635739215631383012012-05-13T04:36:00.000-07:002012-05-13T04:36:21.446-07:00THIS 'N' THAT<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: Dad's Slim Acres character got his start as a "Slim Acres Says" series in the local newspaper. Entries usually consisted of one-or two-line quips, his version of limericks (which he called "Slimericks") and short poems. This week, I decided to republish a few of these gems.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some folks crave attention,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, me it doesn't bother;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whenever I feel neglected,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think of Whistler's father.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of all the trials and burdens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That confront us in this life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hardest to bear are the ones</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can't blame onto your wife!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The saddest of words</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are these below:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll think it over</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And let you know!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some people watch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their diets with care,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Calories here,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cholesterol there;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But shux, as long</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As there's vittles in sight,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I keep right on eatin'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Till my britches get tight!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll try to be honest with thee,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But if thee are not honest with me,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's just this much to it:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To thee I would do it,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To keep thee from doin' it to me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether a man's successful,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always did allow,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Depends pretty much</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On what he does</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the ground's too wet to plow!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bobby Shafto's gone to sea,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Silver buckles on his knee;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When he comes back he'll marry me,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or Daddy'll shoot the ittle S.O.B.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cousin Danny used to claim</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be a judge of women;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But what he took</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be a peach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Turned out to be a lemon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's very few letters</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That I ever git,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Except for the kind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That say, "Please remit!"</span><br />Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-82757278340200598322012-05-06T05:47:00.000-07:002012-05-06T05:47:52.255-07:00GIVE TO THE LIVING<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: "Lots of awards are given to the living, but many others are tardy and come after it's too late for the recipient to read the inscription or smell the flowers," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's easy to honor a fellow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the organ is playing his song,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's easy to ad up his merits</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the mourners go marching along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recalling the road he has traveled,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overlooking where he has strayed,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remembering what he's accomplished,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Forgiving mistakes he has made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But why are we always so tardy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With credit, when credit is due?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the fellow has earned our favor,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why don't we follow it through?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why not give him our plaudits</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While he's still living, instead</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of sending flowers, and writing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A eulogy after he's dead?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He'll never enjoy his epitaph,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or the stone it's written upon;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He'd rather have praise while he's living</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Than a monument after he's gone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>--Autumn Acres (1982)</i></span><br />Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-33360088358268052012-04-29T05:59:00.000-07:002012-04-29T06:03:15.385-07:00THE SKEPTIC<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Editor's note: "My father trusted everybody," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. "That's why we didn't have a pot to boil potatoes in, as the saying goes."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't suppose there's anyone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More skeptical than me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't believe a word I hear,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And half of what I see.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd like to have the feeling</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could trust my fellow man,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But history's proven different</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever since the world began.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realize that maybe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a skeptic to a fault,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But most of what I read or hear,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I take with a grain of salt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not that I think everyone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can look you in the eye,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With his right hand on the Bible,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And tell a bare-faced lie;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, from my past experience,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd say that quite a few</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would likely do that very thing,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And cheat a little, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, though I try the best I can</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To treat all men as brothers,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My motto is, "In God I trust,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But be wary with all others!"</span><br />
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hominy Grits (1986)</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-9488283852267893122012-04-22T06:33:00.003-07:002012-04-22T06:33:38.172-07:00THE HANDY MAN<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Editor's note: Anyone who knew Dad (Slim) back in the day knew how much he loved to build things -- and Mom (Lucy) always had some kind of fix-up project for him to work on.</span></i> <i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Apparently, Dad got the construction gene from his father.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But although I was allowed to help with some tasks like digging fencepost holes and hammering a few nails, that's where the whole thing stopped</span>.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My Dad was very able<br />And mechanically inclined,<br />About as good a handy-man<br />As you could ever find;<br /><br />And thanks to all the little tricks<br />He taught me, as a lad,<br />I really think I'm just about<br />As handy as my Dad.<br /><br />If it's busted, I can fix it!<br />That is, if anybody can,<br />So I've earned a reputation <br />As a first-class handy-man!<br /><br />When I gave up the single state,<br />My newly-wedded spouse<br />Was very thrilled that I could fix<br />Little things around the house.<br /><br />I started in on what-nots,<br />In our early married life,<br />But soon went on to bigger things<br />Suggested by my wife!<br /><br />Before I knew what happened,<br />She had me on the run,<br />She could think up projects faster<br />Than I could get 'em done!<br /><br />I bought the house we live in,<br />A ranch type bungalow,<br />Then added on a carport,<br />And a screened-in patio;<br /><br />And when I got it painted,<br />I thought I had it done;<br />I found I was mistaken --<br />I'd only just begun!<br /><br />I made our kitchen cupboards,<br />The bookshelves on the wall,<br />The fireplace in the fam'ly room,<br />The closets in the hall;<br /><br />Then I built another bathroom,<br />Not because we needed two--<br />We had to have the second one<br />Because the neighbors do!<br /><br />Little jobs, and big jobs,<br />So many I recall,<br />It makes a fellow wonder<br />How he ever did 'em all!<br /><br />But at last we reached the summit,<br />When anyone could see<br />We had it all completed<br />To the very Nth degree.<br /><br />Then I longed for rest and comfort<br />But that wasn't what I found;<br />Lucy got it in her head<br />To change some things around!<br /><br />Things, not so very long ago,<br />We just couldn't do without,<br />Have now become so obsolete<br />We have to tear 'em out.<br /><br />I won't attempt to tell you<br />All the work I have in store;<br />And anyhow, before I'm done,<br />She'll dream up plenty more!<br /><br />But Lucy has assured me<br />That she will let me be<br />Whenever I finish up this list<br />That she's made out for me.<br /><br />And then, if the Lord is willing,<br />And lets me stay alive,<br />I can start to take it easy,<br />At the age of ninety-five!<br /><br />Oh, she appreciates it all,<br />And that is fine and dandy,<br />But y'know, sometimes I sorta wish<br />I wasn't quite so handy!</span></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-91612169854871843902012-04-13T05:07:00.002-07:002012-04-13T05:11:15.611-07:00FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: New poems to this blog always come on Sundays, but since today is Friday the 13th, I figured it would be bad luck not to post it on the "right" day!</span><br /><br />If you have superstitions,<br />As many people do,<br />I don't share your affliction,<br />But I sympathize with you.<br /><br />Bad luck will come on Friday<br />No more often, let me say,<br />Even on the thirteenth,<br />Than any other day.<br /><br />Black cat cross my path?<br />There may be truth in that;<br />It might turn out unlucky,<br />But only for the cat!<br /><br />Some taboos are founded<br />On good solid thinking, hence<br />Not walking under ladders<br />Shows a bit of common sense.<br /><br />I never see an omen<br />When I drop a fork or knife,<br />And spilling half a ton of salt<br />Would not mess up my life.<br /><br />The reason I'm not troubled<br />By superstitious fears<br />Is the rabbit foot I've carried<br />For more than fifty years.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Acres of Verse (1994)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-81240690574389030132012-04-08T05:14:00.000-07:002012-04-08T05:15:31.705-07:00WINTER WONDERLAND<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: It's Easter Sunday, but last night I heard the TV weather guru mention the "s" word. Yes, it's possible we'll see more of the white stuff before Spring really settles in. I sure can identify with Dad's point of view in this poem!</span><br /><br />There's nothing so crisp as a winter scene,<br />Created by new-fallen snow,<br />Nothing so bright as a big full moon<br />That shines on the picture below.<br /><br />There's nothing so brisk as a winter stroll<br />Down a snow-covered village street,<br />Nothing so sharp as the crackling sound<br />And the crunching under your feet,<br /><br />Or a tramp through the woods on a frigid day,<br />'Mid the stark and frost-laden trees,<br />Where the branches droop in their hoary garb,<br />And creak in the bone-chilling breeze.<br /><br />Icicles garnish the orchard fence,<br />And gleam in the morning rays,<br />Nothing is more impressive to see<br />Than the sparkle of winter days.<br /><br />Nobody knows just how many snows<br />The rest of the season will bring,<br />And no one's so sick of this weather as me--<br />How I long for the coming of spring!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Autumn Acres (1982)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-74431285838078617312012-04-01T04:55:00.000-07:002012-04-01T04:57:44.147-07:00LIVING AND LEARNING<span style="font-family: verdana;">From dust we have our beginning,<br />To dust we all shall return;<br />But in between there's a moment<br />When all of us live and learn.<br /><br />All do not remain equal,<br />For we learn at a different rate;<br />Some will turn it to profit,<br />For others, it comes too late.<br /><br />Experience teaches us all,<br />But slowly, and it appears<br />There's no other way to get it,<br />But through the passing of years.<br /><br />It doesn't indicate wisdom<br />Because there's gray in your hair,<br />But everybody learns something<br />While Nature is putting it there.<br /><br />I worked out many a problem<br />By stumbling through somehow,<br />When it would have been so easy,<br />Knowing what I know now.<br /><br />No question at all about it,<br />A good many years ago,<br />I flubbed a legion of ventures<br />Because I just didn't know.<br /><br />I'm sure I could have done better<br />In a hundred different ways,<br />If I'd been a little bit older<br />Back in my younger days!<br /><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">--Acres of Verse (1994)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-92224241503880269012012-03-25T05:50:00.001-07:002012-03-25T05:50:57.386-07:00A REFLECTION<span style="font-family: verdana;">When I look into my mirror,<br />I am forced to realize<br />That, in any beauty contest,<br />I would never win a prize.<br /><br />My face is not my fortune,<br />If it were, I'd be in Dutch,<br />For my financial statement,<br />It would not amount to much.<br /><br />I suppose I could be bitter<br />That I'm not a handsome blade,<br />And my mug is not real pretty--<br />But I wouldn't care to trade,<br /><br />For when I start comparing it<br />With others, down the line,<br />I don't see many, really,<br />That I'd rather have than mine!<br /><br />My face, no, I don't mind it,<br />That's why I smile a lot;<br />I try to treat it kindly--<br />It's the only one I've got!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Square Marbles (1978)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-3638800673862276432012-03-18T14:28:00.000-07:002012-03-18T14:29:47.549-07:00ONE EXCEPTION<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: "I guess everyone likes to put on the dog a little bit, but different people do it in different ways," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. "While some go for things as modern as next year's hat, others spend their hard-earned shekels for bits of antiquity."</span><br /><br />Some folks like to have the latest<br />Style in everything they own,<br />While others search the universe<br />For older things to fill their home.<br />To have whatever you would like,<br />I must admit, is very nice;<br />And it's all right with me, of course,<br />If you can stand to pay the price.<br /><br />Ancient things are bringing more<br />Than if the stuff were made of gold;<br />With prices high up in the sky,<br />It's worth a lot because it's old.<br />My Lucy says she doesn't care<br />For antique furniture and such,<br />No early period things for her,<br />She much prefers the modern touch.<br /><br />We don't have real expensive things,<br />Or spend a lot to decorate<br />Our little home; it's only that<br />She likes to keep it up to date.<br />When something starts to show its age,<br />She goes and trades it in, you see;<br />I guess the only worn-out thing<br />She keeps around the house is me!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hominy Grits (1986)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-45201505878681336432012-03-11T06:21:00.000-07:002012-03-11T06:23:30.417-07:00DO UNTO OTHERS<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: "When it seems the whole world is about to cave in on you, a teaspoonful of encouragement is worth two quarts of sympathy," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem.</span><br /><br />When the burden you carry is heavy,<br />And your will is beginning to wane,<br />And you wonder if ever the sunshine<br />Will come to conquer the rain;<br /><br />Wouldn't it be like a rainbow,<br />And clear the clouds away, too,<br />If somebody walked up and said,<br />"I heard something nice about you?"<br /><br />A smile, a word, or a handshake,<br />From someone along the way,<br />Could make your load a lot lighter,<br />And brighten a dull dreary day.<br /><br />Wouldn't you find it rewarding,<br />When you come to a hard day's end,<br />To feel a hand on your back,<br />And hear, "Well done, my friend!"<br /><br />Wouldn't it be a great blessing,<br />If you knew, in times of despair,<br />You had a friend you could turn to,<br />And find encouragement there?<br /><br />Without a great deal of effort,<br />Perhaps this all would come true;<br />If you'd be this kind toward others,<br />They might be as kind toward you!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hominy Grits (1986)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-46940261683905858462012-03-04T05:15:00.001-08:002012-03-04T05:17:59.070-08:00MONEY<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: "There are many ways to make money, and many ways to spend it," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. "But the time will come when you won't need it!"</span><br /><br />I've made a bit of money,<br />In my lifetime here on earth,<br />But I don't have much to boast of,<br />When I total up my worth.<br /><br />I've barely broken even,<br />And I guess that is fine,<br />Although there's nothing showing,<br />When I reach the bottom line.<br /><br />Some people call it moola,<br />While others call it jack;<br />They spend it by the bushel,<br />And hoard it by the stack.<br /><br />Spondulics, bread or sugar,<br />I guess it's all the same;<br />It really doesn't matter,<br />For there's nothing in a name.<br /><br />Though you may call it lucre,<br />Or to you it's scratch or dough,<br />You still can't take it with you<br />When your time has come to go.<br /><br />For when you seek admission<br />To the land of milk and honey,<br />The bottom line will be how much<br />You're worth without your money!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Eighty After Eighty (1995)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-12054139429463904372012-02-25T18:39:00.000-08:002012-02-25T18:40:53.181-08:00THIN ICE<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: "There comes a time in every person's life when he begins to wonder how he stands in the Big Book," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem.</span><br /><br />Man is less than perfect,<br />And, as far as I can see,<br />With all his warts and foibles,<br />He was never meant to be.<br /><br />We all have had our moments,<br />And we all have seen a day<br />When scruples were forgotten,<br />And we went a bit astray.<br /><br />Temptations come so often<br />To the restless and the young;<br />They listen to the Devil,<br />And a little fling is flung.<br /><br />I know it's human nature,<br />When our years begin to fade,<br />To think about our failings,<br />And the record we have made.<br /><br />There'll be a day to settle,<br />And it comes to everyone;<br />We'll have to pay the fiddler<br />For the dancing we have done!<br /><br />I'm tempted very seldom now,<br />My errant ways are few;<br />I walk the straight and narrow,<br />Like a person ought to do.<br /><br />I guess I'm not so different<br />From any other sinner;<br />We skate with less abandon<br />Where we know the ice is thinner!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hominy Grits (1986)</span></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-5137407754451224592012-02-19T05:19:00.000-08:002012-02-19T05:21:46.708-08:00WEATHER OR NOT<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: Grandpa used to predict the upcoming weather by his rheumatism, and he was no slouch at it," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem.</span><br /><br />In this age of specializing,<br />Titles take a high-flown twist;<br />Every weather prophet now<br />Is a meteorologist!<br /><br />With all their fancy gadgets,<br />And computerized technique,<br />They figure out a schedule<br />Of our weather for a week.<br /><br />It often doesn't happen<br />Very close to how they list it,<br />But they won't say a single word<br />Admitting how they missed it!<br /><br />If they can't guess correctly<br />For tomorrow, tell me how<br />We can take and trust their word<br />It will rain a week from now!<br /><br />And, even more no-brainy,<br />Every now and then we hear<br />Some silly nut forecasting<br />For the entire coming year.<br /><br />Sure, I could do no better,<br />But I hope you realize<br />A Monday morning quarterback<br />Has a right to criticize!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Eighty After Eighty (1995)</span></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-13776619483389385592012-02-12T05:05:00.000-08:002012-02-12T05:06:13.078-08:00MISS-FORTUNE<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: "The family that can remain on good terms after settling up an estate is a flock of rare birds," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. "I'm not going to worry very much about how my estate is divided. The way it looks now, what I leave behind won't be enough to cause much of a fuss."</span><br /><br />Some people pinch their nickels hard,<br />And it seems that they intend<br />To accumulate the most they can<br />For somebody else to spend.<br /><br />They do their very best to gain<br />Another buck for adding on<br />The pile they aim to leave behind<br />After they are dead and gone.<br /><br />I, too, had dreams of gaining wealth,<br />And building up a great estate,<br />But, in the way of getting rich,<br />I haven't done so well to date.<br /><br />I gave up trying, long ago,<br />To keep my bank account replete,<br />Sometimes it's more than I can chew<br />Just in making both ends meet.<br /><br />I've never worried very much<br />About the money I'll be leavin'<br />In fact, the way it looks right now,<br />I'll be lucky if I come out even!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Autumn Acres (1982)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-80489476858599082772012-02-05T04:40:00.000-08:002012-02-05T04:41:44.433-08:00WILL POWER<span style="font-family: verdana;">"Where there's a will, there's a way"<br />Is a maxim I learned long ago;<br />And it has inspired many mortals,<br />Down through the ages, I know.<br /><br />This adage has brought motivation<br />And success to many a man;<br />No matter how great the challenge,<br />If you think you can do it, you can!<br /><br />Robert, the Bruce was defeated<br />Time after time, as you know,<br />But he never gave up the struggle,<br />And finally bested his foe.<br /><br />I'll not belittle the power<br />Of will, but to tell you the truth,<br />I'm not so quickly inspired<br />As back in the days of my youth.<br /><br />Sometimes it's not so easy<br />To do as philosophers say;<br />I still have plenty of will, but<br />I'm a little bit short on the way!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Acres of Verse (1994)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-13727553636720359912012-01-29T06:08:00.000-08:002012-01-29T06:11:41.125-08:00A SMILE<span style="font-family: verdana;">Like a little ray of sunshine,<br />On a dark and gloomy day,<br />Just a little bit of cheeriness<br />Will go a long, long way;<br />When things are going backward,<br />And a body's feelin' blue,<br />It's a most amazing wonder<br />What a friendly smile can do.<br /><br />When the blahs have really got you,<br />Just remember that a frown<br />Is a most unpleasant picture<br />Of a smile that's upside down;<br />So, turn it up the other way,<br />You'll feel better if you do;<br />What's more, a lot of other folks<br />May take a cue from you.<br /><br />So when I'm socializing,<br />Or just walking down the street,<br />I try to smile a greeting<br />To 'most everyone I meet;<br />While some may think I'm silly,<br />To be grinning all the while,<br />I may give a lift to others<br />With a warm and friendly smile!<br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-64945337269908384852012-01-22T05:54:00.000-08:002012-01-22T05:56:01.044-08:00NOT LIKE I USED TO BE<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Most of us feel the effects of the passing years and often use time-worn phrases to remind our associates that we're not quite as young as we used to be," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. "Sometimes it's a cop-out."</span><br /><br />I'm not the man I used to be,<br />And I'll admit it's true<br />I can't kick up my heels and all<br />Like younger fellers do.<br /><br />Youth is not eternal,<br />And it's very plain to see<br />The one we call Old Father Time<br />Has left his mark on me.<br /><br />I don't complain, you understand,<br />Or feel my race is run,<br />I'm not in such a sorry shape<br />That I'm not having fun.<br /><br />I guess it's just a custom<br />For older folks to say<br />They cannot cut the mustard,<br />As compared to yesterday.<br /><br />"I'm not the man I used to be,"<br />I've often said before,<br />I said it once to Lucy,<br />But won't do it any more.<br /><br />I might have known I wouldn't get<br />Any sympathy from her,<br />She looked at me and shook her head,<br />And said, "You never were!"<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Autumn Acres (1982)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-1765882057642814662012-01-15T05:31:00.000-08:002012-01-15T05:34:02.482-08:00ODE TO WINTER<span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;">Editor's note: "Some folks dread to see winter arrive; others hate to see it go," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. "I guess it depends on your appetite for weather."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The northern wind is howling</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like a banshee in the night,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Overcoating lawn and garden</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">With a coverlet of white.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wires along the highway,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whining in the cruel cold,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cry that winter's got us</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">In its bitter strangle hold.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The hoary frost has settled</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">O'er the garden corner post;</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the pale moonlight it shimmers</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like an eerie sheeted ghost.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I appreciate the beauty</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of the snowy winter scene;</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the world in fleecy garments,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It appears to white and clean.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">But let me clear the record,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">So as not to be amiss--</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It doesn't take me long to get</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">My belly full of this!</span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024182928282521717.post-55369616321253914742012-01-08T05:37:00.000-08:002012-01-08T05:40:38.295-08:00STANDING IN LINE<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Editor's note: "Some folks don't believe in making resolutions, but I think overcoming my shortcomings begins with recognizing them," Dad wrote as the introduction to this poem. All I know is that there's no doubt I inherited the same gene.</span><br /><br />We mortals have got<br />To suffer a lot<br />Of worry, hassle and strife;<br />We cannot attain<br />Exemption from pain,<br />For that is the essence of life.<br />Now, generally I<br />Am a good humor guy,<br />Hard knocks, I handle them fine;<br />But I must admit<br />I fester a bit<br />Any time that I stand in a line!<br /><br />A checkout may go<br />In an orderly flow,<br />With nary a hitch or a fault;<br />But I'll guarantee,<br />With the entrance of me,<br />Everything will screech to a halt!<br />At times, I take heart,<br />As I chauffeur my cart,<br />And think I'm in excellent shape;<br />But then, up ahead,<br />Somebody drops dead,<br />Or a register runs out of tape!<br /><br />I may carefully choose<br />The best line to use,<br />But the one I pick is a dud;<br />For reasons unknown,<br />My selection is prone<br />To move like a cow in the mud.<br />I surely agree<br />And acknowledge, to be<br />Considered a leader is fine;<br />But I caution you,<br />Whatever you do,<br />Never follow me in a line!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">--Eighty After Eighty (1995)</span><br /><br /></span>Monnie Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07268612021570071911noreply@blogger.com0