Doctrine Of A Free Man Poem by Claudette Jackson

Dad is anchored deep,
Branded heart steep,
And locked in life's sturdy hand,
His doctrine of a free man:
Feel! Think! Work!
Feel God's elements around you,
Think of how you can contribute--be true;
Work to achieve your goal
And the devil won't win your soul. Example of my youth:
Handicapped father scrapping cars
Grinding valves and canning in jars;
Setting tobacco and slaughtering hogs,
Repairing transmissions and splitting logs. Contribution of my Youth:
Soap-making, scrub board singing
Frostbitten hands and clothes ringing;
Chicken heads rolling, pie making
Dipper hitting the bucket and bread baking;
Apple picking, water packing
Corn shucking and potato sacking;
Stewing tomatoes, canning beans
Slicing onions and washing greens. Even today, I hear him call,
Feel! Think! Work!
Feel God's elements around you,
Think of how you can contribute--be true;
Work to achieve your goal
And the devil won't win your soul--