You'Re Wrong About Old Man Barker - Both Audio and Text

“Elawishus Barker is the meanest man in Georgia. Absolutely cold as ice…and hard as nails t’ boot. I’ve actually never met the guy, but - based on what I’ve heard - everyone in Pinkerton despises that old coot!” That’s what I was told - when I was seven - by my father…and everyone, except the preacher, thought that it was true. But after what we’ve learned tonight, if you still feel the same, and think you need to hate him, well…I guess that’s up to you. All these years I’ve looked the other way when he’d pass by, sure that, if he smiled at me, I’d let my father down, Worried I might smile back….I’d hated without knowing….much the same as prob’ly most the people in this town. Turns out most the folks who, in the past, have worked in Pinkerton -- along with those who’re workin’ now -- have this man to thank. Elawishus owned the mill - the factory - and the stockyards…and almost every home in town was financed by his bank. Never knew he’d covered what the city failed to raise to get ourselves a fire station --- ninety thousand bucks! Didn’t know, behind the scenes, he’d helped to fund the county so they could buy the “First Alerts” their fancy rescue trucks. Didn’t know he paid to have the Opera House restored. Built the brand new library. Gave the park its pool. And now that Reverend Willard’s told us all the things he did to help us in so many ways…I feel like such a fool. I forgive my father for the comments that he made, remembering how he’d told me, “Son…I’ve never met the guy.” And maybe I can find a way to ease the shame I feel…knowing….when it comes to having met him....nor had I! Funny how so many think the “rich” are cold and heartless…filled with great disdain for those who struggle to survive, While all the while, behind the scenes, some of them are doing things for which we’d feel they were the finest folks alive! So….if and when you catch yourself disparaging the wealthy…you might be wise to offer them the benefit of the doubt. It may turn out you one day learn that someone “filthy rich”, has -- without your knowing it -- in some way helped you out! PS: I've now got 4 new Audio-CDs - @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied poems), listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - or by simply contacting me - should those of you who enjoy listening to, as well as reading poems, and particularly those who travel care to be so entertained. (We use safe and simple - PayPal) Cheers, Mark