
Brethren,

When searching my computer to find out the last time I was with Mike and
Odette, I found that it was in Kansas City at the Semi-Annual gathering
there.  What a joy it was to meet them.

At the same time, I met the Grand Master of Masons of Kansas.  MWB Fisher.
A marvelous man, a great Mason, and he gave me a poem that I would like to
share with you at this time.  I used it in one of the newsletters while I
was Master of the lodge and it meant so much to so many people it touched.

I think he lived the poem, as he is no longer with us, having succumbed to
cancer.  He did plow a straight furrow.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Munro, MPS
PM, Canton Lodge # 98
Tyler, Texas

"THE FARMER'S ODE"

In going through life-- plow a clean straight furrow,
Burying all hatred deep down in its burrow;
Covered and hidden forever from sight,
With the soil of true friendship, cheerful and bright.
Level the high spots, fill in the hollow,
Cultivate virtues that are worth while to follow.
As a guide to mankind, and an aid in his blindness;
Temper your actions with love, faith, and kindness.
In life's great field, with its pleasures and sorrow,
Gather the grain, leave the chaff,
You will have no fear of the morrow;
Bright memories will serve you, and through all time endure
In sowing the seeds of God's truth, clean and pure.
Then, Brethren, when you no longer are gay and young.
When the dreams and songs of youth are past and sung.
When the world seems dark, dreary and cold----
Remember these tenets will ever hold.
Then, when your pleasures and troubles in life are o'er,
When the boatman has called for you, from yonder shore,
To take you back to be grim death's guest,
Loving hands will lay you away to rest.



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