Thankless job, I think watching
as Thurman tries to teach the young man
The lad sitting up
on the tractor
like a proud young pup
is full of piss and vinegar
half the time not listening
and half the time telling Thurman
how much he already knows...
As Thurman patiently slumps
his still-sturdy but ungainly frame
against the tractor
fingers strumming his red suspenders
a good-natured grin
slowly spreading
across his grizzled face
gleaming behind think glasses
I see a glint of soft amusement
at this grandiose greenhorn
Thurman has lived through
the Great Depression, and then
the horror of hand-combat
in World War II
one of three from his unit
to make it through-
so there is nothing this little ingrate
can possibly do or say
to break Thurman's composure today
he remains uncommonly calm
and utterly unflappable
a small chuckle slipping out
every now and then
And while the young man boasts
and blusters on about
his plans for next week
Thurman is mostly quiet, until
at length, asked about his plans
“Lord willing-
and the creek don't rise...”
he begins, knowing how
much could change by then
We Bend but Never Break
Stand your ground the Monarchs cry
defend our power, do not ask why
Know we rule by our divine right
murder so easily with our might!
Bow down to kiss our Godly feet
we are the best you will ever meet
Know your place and all is fine
now pick the grapes, stomp the wine!
We stand above the shining light
ordering peons to slave and fight
Get cracking , do as you are told
if lucky, you'll work until very old!
the refutation......
Stand there in your deep disgrace
vainly thinking to be a better race
We searched and found freedom's call
you bow or else you will fall!
On bended knee beg for our help
bark, bark , you surly little welp
Learn your place to stay alive
tread water or else take a dive!
We stand in great defiant cause
no longer obey your stupid laws
Obey meekly and you just may live
that's most you get , more we'll never give!
Robert J. Lindley, August 3rd, 1974
Written when I was 21 years old, so full of piss and vinegar!
Youth has the advantage of - energy and eagerness....
Your full of piss and vinegar
My dad used to say
I don't want to smell like pee
To my mother I'd cry my way
Since I wouldn't use the toilet
The pee turned to vinegar over time
This is how my dad potty trained me
It still works on grandchildren of mine
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