Rare the shadow that has lengthened
‘Cross a century in span.
Rare the memory that’s strengthened
In the legacy of man
As it leaves each generation
To descend unto the next.
Rare, indeed, true approbation
Finds so tarnish-proof a text.
From the earth of old Kentucky
God brought forth a rugged babe,
Poor but proud, and plain but plucky;
And men crowned him “Honest Abe”.
Pain and loss had ways of etching
Lines no tribute could erase —-
Lines the world has since been sketching
To preserve his mortal face.
He had humor and compassion
And a will to do the right —-
To bring courage into fashion
And put honor at its height.
This, his image, will not perish.
It will outlast pride and pelf.
This God left for man to cherish
And to aim at for himself.
Happy New Year