You know we all have our opinions. We all have an opinion on just about everything and how it should be done.
One of my favorite poets is a man name Sam Foss. Samuel Walter Foss. Writing that line I have to smile, me saying "my favorite poet."
Most of my life has been associated with sports, athletics. When I was a young boy I lived for sports. I could quote you the line-up of every professional baseball team, college, high school sports, you name it. As a teenager I grew up in what I think was one of the best time in Indiana, the hey-day of high school basketball. I have often said I got a college education because of basketball. "Oh, you played college basketball, you got a scholarship to play?" Another laugh. "No." From a very young age about fourth or fifth grade I wanted to be a coach. Partially because of the example I had of high school coaches. If one wanted to teach and coach a college degree was required. Thus I would try and do what was required and in 1964 was fortunate to gain such a degree.
So when I make reference to myself and a poet I just have to smile. Over the years I have come to appreciate the writings of those who can put their thoughts down on paper and thousands of others can identify with. Thus now on a cold or rainy day you might find me sitting in a wing of a library thumbing through a book of poetry. I am not saying I understand everything written but I find the process worthwhile.
Recently in one such sitting I read a poem by Sam Foss. Foss lived during the Civil War times, lived in the East and for a period of time in his life he wrote a poem a day for a newspaper. He died in 1911. Today I ran across the following poem and thought to myself how far too often man has this idea that he knows exactly or how best something should be done. Often leaving too little room for other possibilities. or in some cases. another persons opinion. There is some humor in the poem but also a lot of truth.
"The proper way for a man to pray" said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,
"and the only proper attitude is down upon his knees."
"Nay, I should say the way to pray," said Reverend Dr. Wise
is standing straight with outstretched arms and rapt and upturned eyes."
"Oh, no, no, no," said Elder Snow "Such posture is too proud
A man should pray with eyes fast closed and head contritely bowed."
"It seems to me his hand should be astutely clasped in front.
With both thumbs a pointing toward the ground," Said Reverend Hunt.
"Last year I fell in Hogans well head first," said old Cyrus Brown,
"with both my heels- a stickin' up, and my head a pointin' down,
And I made a prayer right there and then"
Best prayers I ever said; Twas the prayingest prayers I ever prayed,
I ever said and did so A-standin' on my head."
Samuel Walter Foss
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January 25, 2017
Keep on,
Larry Adamso