Razor Strop

I have in my possession an object I really prize. It belonged to two guys whom I really idolize. 'Twas a necessary device when straight razors were the fad. 'Tis the leather razor strop used by my Grandpa and Dad. Its precise genesis is really difficult to gauge, But it's certainly well over a century old in age. It shows the scars as they went to all the trouble, To hone their razors to rid their mugs of stubble! I can picture them as young swains shaving before the mirror, With a steady hand trying not to nick an ear. With a brush and soap to apply lather to their face, Later to meet their sweeties decked out in ribbons and lace! Now I never thought of a razor strop in relation to education, But Mom found a novel use for it much to my mortification. When I became rowdy and tended not to mind, That cold, hard strop was generously applied to my behind! I will pass the old strop along to a subsequent generation, With vivid tales of Mom's expertise in its application! This only to add to family knowledge and lore, But to use on tender behinds never, never more! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved