“No Second-Hand Store Of Thought” [Reflections on Book: Wm.C.King (ed) Portraits and Principles of The World's Great Men And Women Chicago: The King-Richardson Co. 1899 - #35/100]
This guy said thought attained each day
Would in spare moments start to pay,
And gave examples – “One a day”
Like vitamins – build strength that way.No need to be held up by cash,
The info’s free – build up your stash;
Flow out, flow in, like bubbling brook,
One hour a day can gut a book –Solidify by output then,
Lest you bog down and swamp defend
As your pet interest – just for you –
Step into commerce – built for two –Or more – pass on what you have gained;
Exchange your thought, endow your name
With who you slowly grow into –
A college campus named for you.Not one built out of bricks and goo,
But one incorporating you;
Let others fill departments there,
As each builds life up, layer on layer.Just fifteen minutes spent each day,
That makes two weeks a year, which pays
Rich dividends, already mixed
In practical, where thought is fixed.I look back over life myself,
And books I read from many shelves –
The Internet of thought for all,
And folks I’ve met both great and small –And I have been so richly blessed;
Been curious ’bout what comes next;
I love the past – rich treasure trove
That’s filled my mind – all set to go.Lord, as my mind someday will crash
And burn – reflecting on this stash
Of info gained – what use is there?
“Why, pass it on – thus show you care –“For treasure laid up in that place
Is where I meant – for human race
Has such a way to go ahead,
As you pass on your store, they’re fed.Thanks Lord for this.
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