The Strength of the Oak

On the Back Porch

It has been a few years since I wrote the poem that I am using today. It was written for a particular family reunion and I had been asked to recite some poems as part of the entertainment. 

It talks about the strength of American people and I think we are being reminded that it is time to demonstrate that strength at this point in history.

Today’s world is a bit stressed out as we deal with the coronavirus and the problems associated with that. 2020 has been a tough year for all of us and it is also an election year.

Now if that is not a full plate, we also are faced with filling a position on the Supreme Court. Article II section 2 of the Constitution states that Presidents "shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint ... Judges of the Supreme Court..." U.S. Const. art. 2 § 2, cl. 2.  

The Constitution stipulates that it is the President’s duty to nominate someone to fill that position and it is the Senate’s duty to present that nominee to be confirmed. When a political party has both the president and the Senate, the nominee will likely be confirmed.

Naturally, the party that is not in power opposes this action.

So, we find ourselves dealing with all of this and I am sure you can understand that America’s stress level is sky-high. But stop and take a deep breath. You know that America is the land of opportunity, the absolute best country in the world; and its people are strong, steadfast, and resilient.

Our nation has dealt with similar situations in the past and we will face them again in the future. Our job, if you choose to accept it, is to face these times with civility and respect. We can talk to politicians and let them know our concerns, but in the end, our only recourse is at the ballot box.

So, we must exercise our right as an American citizen and VOTE! That makes us what we are with the strength of the Oak.

 

The Strength of the Oak

 

‘Twas a dark and stormy night,

so many years ago.

A young oak sapling’s roots held tight

above the river’s flow.

Now today upon these lands

where settler dared to trod,

in grandeur, a mighty oak stands,

a monument to God.

 

The red man came to build his fires

upon this sheltered knoll,

as he sought his sacred desires…

the spirits of his soul.

The Spaniard’s rode on mighty steed

across the oak tree root.

Theirs, an elusive quest for greed,

rode on in hot pursuit.

 

Then settler came to turn the sod

to claim this fertile land.

He relied on the grace of God

an’ there, beside him stand.

The homestead cabin took its place.

The settler brought his bride,

trials and tribulations to face,

they had God for their guide.

 

The children came that filled their days

and brought their brand of love.

Then years slipped past with life’s bouquets,

blessed by our Lord above.

Times was hard an’ the goin’ rough,

but their love was heartfelt.

You knew each one was rock hard tough,

they played the hand that they was dealt.

They’d do to ride the river with!

An’ that was understood.

And accordin’ to Preacher Smith,

everyone knew they would.

Now years have passed, old folks are gone,

their histr’y has been made.

And you, my friend, must carry-on,

don’t let their memr’y fade.

 

On grand old oak, at rivers slope,

tie yellow ribbon there.

Stand tall and proud, renew your hope,

an’ say a heartfelt prayer.

The Lord has blest and set you free,

now you must do your part

to make this stand for family,

an’ hold them in your heart. 

So today, when you chance to meet

an’ maybe blink a tear,

you know it will be no small feat

to relive yesteryear.

Yore task is set  yore job to do,

to weather death an’ birth.

Keep the faith an’ ever be true,

Yore the salt of the earth!

 

You have strength of that grand old oak,

an’ that will take you far.

The Lord gave you the masterstroke,

your final shining star!

 

Ol’ Jim Cathey   

Make America Great Again…Again!

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553