Thursday, November 5, 2015

The Contrary Man



When he was very, very young
He was considered sharp of tongue;
His parents feared to raise his wrath,
And never stood across his path.
His playmates always feared the fire
Their opposition would inspire;
He had a hard time in the schools
Because he wouldn’t mind the rules.

He left his home at early age
While in a frightful burst of rage;
“No one is going to haw and gee
Me round this house or farm,” said he;
“I’m going to boss myself or bust,”
And then he took the turnpike dust.
He went abroad with the idea
That he would boss the hemisphere.

He found good jobs day after day
But in the same old foolish way
He wouldn’t take his orders, so,
Of course he shortly had to go.
“I won’t allow no living man
Dictating me, his motto ran,
And so he drifted on through life
Mid poverty and needless strife.

One day he fell exceeding ill
And in the ward where all was still
The doctor said “take this”; he cried:
“I won’t obey!” and so he died.
St. Peter met him at the gate
And said, “step in, you’re all but late.”
But came his old, familiar cry:
“No man can order me – good bye!”



Nov. 5, ‘09
Monday
Nov. 8, ‘09

Gee and haw are voice commands used to tell a draft animal to turn right or left, or to direct sled dogs pulling a sled or sleigh. Gee (pronounced "jee") means to turn to the off side (away from the driver). Haw means to turn to the near side (towards the driver).





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