Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Keep A-Goin'

Cousin Blanche constantly amazes me. I was sitting on her pizer a couple of days ago, and the conversation turned to the Wright Brothers and how they persevered while others were giving up on the dream of conquering the air.  That reminded Blanche of a poem she had memorized decades ago. She sat across from me and recited the poem in its entirety!

"KEEP A-GOIN’"

If you strike a thorn or rose,
Keep a-goin'!
If it hails or if it snows,
Keep a-goin'!
'Taint no use to sit an' whine
When the fish ain't on your line;
Bait your hook an' keep a-tryin'--
Keep a-goin'!

When the weather kills your crop,
Keep a-goin'!
Though 'tis work to reach the top,
Keep a-goin'!
S'pose you're out o' ev'ry dime,
Gittin' broke ain't any crime;
Tell the world you're feelin' prime--
Keep a-goin'!

When it looks like all is up,
Keep a-goin'!
Drain the sweetness from the cup,
Keep a-goin'!
See the wild birds on the wing,
Hear the bells that sweetly ring,
When you feel like singin', sing--
Keep a-goin'!
Author: Frank L. Stanton (1857-1927)

Not bad advice, I'd say. Thank you Blanche for again brightening my day!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter tells the delightful story of the 19th century "Stovepipe Hat" wreck. It has been told for years in books & magazines, but it probably never happened. You can read the story (and my research) here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072115.htm.

2 comments:

  1. Words of wisdom wherever we live. Thank you Blanche!

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  2. Anonymous8:43 AM

    A wonderful poem with an old-timey air. Will be happy to pass this along to others--and keep it goin'.

    Look what you started, Cousin Blanche, still touching the lives of so many from down there on your pizer in Ocracoke.

    :-)

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