Winning Words 11/29/11
“Don’t give up, whate’er you do. Eyes front, head high to the finish. See it through!” (Edgar A. Guest) EAG is well-known in Detroit, and Chrysler is using one of his poems in its latest car ad. Previously, in another ad, words by rapper Eminem were used. Talk about unusual juxtaposition! But Guest’s words aren’t about cars. They’re about an attitude toward life. We Detroiters have that attitude. ;-) Jack

See It Through

When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!

-Edgar Albert Guest

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My mom's favorite! I bought her all of his books years and years ago. We loved to read his poems out loud, especially "Octopus, Octopus". Good words!////FROM JACK: Although I remember seeing his poems reprinted in our Illinois newspaper, I didn't come to really appreciate them until I was a young adult.

FROM ILLINOIS LIZ: I love the Chrysler commercials, especially the one they did last year for the Super Bowl... that truly had attitude! I keep hoping they'll run that one again.////FROM JACK: "Imported from Detroit" is an interesting tag line. Some people really think that Detroit is a foreign country. In fact, look at the map, and you will see that Canada is south of Detroit.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I need those words, after a very hectic week! :-) /Good ol' EAG... Bill had all of our 4 children memorize his "Myself" poem. (I have to live with myself, and so, I want to be fit for myself to know...) Homey advice, which is good to remember at decision times! He also loved his "I'd rather see a sermon, than hear one, any day...". Now, not giving up (!) I'll prepare sandwiches to feed the homeless...our once a month stint at church. (Some Sprfld. churches take turns having hospitality night every Tues.) Last month we had 163, the most ever...! ////FROM JACK: Serving the hungry is a sermon that can be seen. "When did I see thee hungry etc.?"

FROM RJP IN FLORIDA: Thanks, every day we all need positive words like a good cup of coffee in the morning it helps get one going. I sent this one on to several folks who know how to take it to heart. Be Well in that wonderful winter weather. See....I am positive...............////FROM JACK: Positive words are needed whatever the weather. Can you remember what winter was like in "the good old days" when you lived in the north country?

FROM CL IN SANTA BARBARA: Here's an inspiration for you. We brought Nick to SB a couple of years ago to meet with our Providence Hall students (I'm on the board of this five year old Christian high school in SB). He's an awesome and inspiring guy. Not a lot of whining going on by people who know Nick.
http://youtu.be/YAuY5ZKlIpQ
////FROM JACK: I hope that "blog" readers will take the time to check out the attached link. Nick's story is one that fits the thought of the Guest poem.

FROM JE IN MICHIGAN: Great one today.////FROM JACK: "Don't give up!" are words that wee all need at one time or another.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: Perseverance counts for a lot in this life. That is why one should take one day at a time. Or else one can just muddle through life.////FROM JACK: "Perseverance" is a better word than "muddle." BTW, muddle is a word that means to proceed in a bungling and confused way.