Guest Blog by David Bates Russell
I am a man; my destiny is in my hands.
Whatever I shall have or be
Whatever I have been,
Is, was, and will be my own doing.
I could blame my failures on luck.
I could lay the fault at my neighbors doorstep.
I could say that my wife or family influenced me.
I could thank God for my successes.
I could curse the Devil for my failures,
But to do or say any of these
Is to brand myself a liar
God Has made me what I am,
And God granted our forefathers the foresight
To crystallize the American Dream
And thus blessed me with American freedom.
Beyond this His responsibility ends.
Mine is the task, chose by intent
Or drifted into by default
To be or not to be
The man that God gave me the chance to be.
*****
David Bates Russell is 96 years old. He worked in the machine tool industry in Springfield, Vermont, for 51 years. He is also a dairy farmer. Until age 90, he heated his home with wood that he cut and split himself. Now he occasionally calls on electricity for backup. In 2005 his family produced a book of his poetry, Verses from a Vermont Hillside, which is available at Misty Valley Books in Chester, Vt.
nice.
Comment by Perry Glasser — December 26, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
I loved this Poem! There are very few people in life that get it's true meaning out of there own lives. Most of us! Seek so much from the world as if it is only meant for one person. This here is a man, that shared his thoughts, and insightful wisdom. Though, this poem says many heartfelt and Truthful things about what a person is or isn't…. At the end of the day! We all have our own crosses to bare and sinns to remind each one of us just how Human we really are. Thank You, David Bates Russell b/c many times I have Fallen and Stumbled and have sought Gods devine will, grace and above all this, is His Mercy upon this Soul! Thank You!
Comment by Rick — December 27, 2009 @ 11:03 am