The Old Gentle Man

From Richard Brammer

Lenox

"He had a snow white beard, this weary looking old gentle man

And he carried a cane in his suntanned shaking hand

He would find a shady spot beside the road at noon every day

Maybe eat an apple or pear before continuing on his way

Some people when they saw him would laugh, point and make fun of him

with tearfilled eyes this gentle man would somehow manage a little grin

He always said a prayer before and after eating, pick up his cane and be on his way

After walking slowly for several miles, He would stop for some rest, at the end of the day

From his pocket he draw a worn book known well by me and you

then this old gentle man, He knew, Jesus was with him and would see him through"

— — — — — —

I wrote these verses in 1938 at Jefferson School in Creston IA. My teacher was Miss Edaburn. She taught me the enjoyment and relaxation of reading.

Thanks to her and many other teachers teachings and advice, I was able to achieve my goals in life.

This is why I think career teachers are the most underpaid and least appreciated professional people in this country.

We had an acreage on N. Cedar St. when I was in Jefferson School. Dad and Mom never turned a person in need away. Dad had a nice bunk house in the barn, and many of these hobos would spend nights there.