Honoring Grandpa

My west coast brother has informed me that today is "Never Give Up Day" and "National Bad Poetry Day."  Both of these 'days' remind me of my maternal grandfather.  He was certainly a man who never gave up.  In his youth he worked in the Pennsylvania coal mines in order to earn enough money to go to seminary.  He eventually graduated from seminary and became a minister in the Brethren church.  He faced a small problem in his first church assignment.  He spoke only High German and English while his parishioners spoke Low German.  A little bit like US English vs Scottish. If you've visited in Scotland (a land that I love) you will understand what I mean.

He learned to communicate and was eventually well received.  In addition to his life-long career as a pastor, my grandfather also loved to write poetry.  While I don't think his poetry is bad, many people would consider it unsophisticated.  He self-published at least three volumes that I am aware of.  While flipping through one of his books of poetry, "Poems For All Classes" published in 1922, I came across this poem which seems very appropriate for "Never Give Up Day."

The title is "Do What You Can"

Say not within your heart, I see no chance in this broad world for me,

And sit not down to fret and whine

Because you think you ne'er shall shine 

Before the world as others do; fret not for there's a place for you.

The little star that shines on high does not make bright the entire sky,

But should each little star complain 

Because all heaven's great domain is not made bright by its small ray, And for that cause should fret and say  

"Because these brilliant rays of mine do not reach all 

I'll cease to shine."  

The heavens all o'ercast would be with gloom and darkness. 

None could see the beautiful and radiant light 

which gladdens many hearts at night.  

I, in this world am but a star.  

My light may not extend as far into the dark world's gloom as some,  Who through the world may go and come, 

But God has given me some work 

To do, my task I will not shirk; 

I'm one small star in his great plan, therefore I'll do the best I can.

My grandpa as I knew him.  I was nine years old when he died.

Grandpa and Grandma on their wedding day.  Circa 1900.