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Wednesday, July 08, 2015

DENNIS PATRICK: RHYMES FOR THE SOUL

Today’s cultural stress does not compare with the Great Depression or World War II. Those American experiences strained the public fabric but did not destroy its underlying unity. By contrast, today’s society has descended into the stress of divisiveness not seen since the Civil War.

For those who still read, a calm and refreshing reflection of better days will be found in the gentle rhymes and verses we knew as young adults growing up. Some people may object by calling such an exercise a form of escapism. After all, they contend, we will never return to the “good ol’ days.” On the other hand a counterpoint must be voiced. Such reflection is no more an escape from reality than would be prayer or meditation.

Many selected volumes contain the rhymes and verses of yesteryear. A decent use book store will carry good hardback anthologies very reasonably priced of rhymes and verses. Copies I’ve owned for decades and include “My American Heritage,” “Home and Holiday Verse,” and “Best Loved Poems of the American People”.

Such a delight it is on a warm summer’s day to relax with a book of verses and identify with the writer’s sentiments. We’re not talking serious, “highbrow” stuff here. We’re talking about down-to-earth verses written for the common folk. Topics range from trees and bees and nature in general (before EPA regulation) to any mundane task (prior to OSHA mandates) to relationships (straight, wholesome) to growing old (without the help of lying politicians).

A diverse selection of titles illustrates the point. From “My American Heritage”:

“America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates speaks of better days. Read all four stanzas slowly.

“The Flag Goes By” by Henry Holcomb Bennett couples flag etiquette with praise for the symbol of a once-great nation. It epitomizes American patriotism.

“The Village Blacksmith” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lays out the components of a life well lived.

“Out Where the West Begins” written by Arthur Chapman. This bit of verse sings the praises of rural life in the early West.

“Fourth Of July Ode” by James Russell Lowell, the early American romantic poet (1819-1891), captures the spirit of Independence Day.

In eighteen lines John Boyle O’Reilly answers the question posed by the title of his poem, “What is Good?”

Eight lines capture the essence of perseverance as imparted to young people. “Persevere” was written anonymously and appeared in “McGuffey’s Third Reader.”

“The Children’s Hour” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow tells of a bygone day when a father, at home with his children, cherishes them at the end of day before bedtime.

From my volume of “Home and Holiday Verse” in a section titled “Poems for Weddings” is selected the following:

“Together” by George Barlow, “O Lay Thy Hand in Mine” by Gerald Massey and “When You Are Old” by William Ernest Henley sing of a married man and woman growing old together in their late years. These heartfelt verses by common people for common people resonate with those over sixty.

Bookmarks are strewn throughout my volume of “The Best Loved Poems of the American People.” Edgar A. Guest and James Whitcomb Riley are some of America’s favorite poets. Together they capture the spirit of Americana more than any other. “Home” by Guest clearly illustrates the difference between a house and a home by virtue of the occupants. Guest also wrote “It Couldn’t Be Done” exemplifying the can-do attitude for which America is known.

Of course, the autumn songs of Riley, “Little Orphant Annie” and “When the Frost Is on the Punkin,” are among some of the best known of all Americana verses. Light, airy and humorous they capture the spirit of yesteryear right down to the dialect.

Revisiting nostalgic verses written prior to the purge of American literature by political correctness quiets the soul while giving hope for the future.

 

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at P. O. Box 337, Stanley, ND 58784 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

 

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