My Grandfather

My Grandfather was a poet. He was gifted in his use of language, as well as perspectives. I always wondered why no one really appreciated his gifts. I also always wondered why no one took the time to share and/ or publish all of his poems. I have very few things, but what I do have are a few of my Grandfather's poems. One of them is called "Be The Best of Whatever You Are ", and I thought I would share here. Possibly someone reading it may appreciate it:

(My favorite verse is the last- "Remember, that no one can be you like you can; so make the most of yourself, please do. For if you've learned the art of being yourself, everything will be 'o.k,' with you".)

"Be The Best of Whatever you Are"

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill

Be a scrub in the valley....but be

The best little scrub on the side of the hill

Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

if you can't be a bush, be a bit of grass

Along the highway, a pretty sight make

If you can't be a whale, then just be a bass

But be the liveliest bass in the lake.

If you can't be a highway, then be a trail

If you can't be the sun, be just a star

It isn't by the size that you win or you fail

But be the best of whatever you are.

if you can't be a poet who writes good verse

Be a plain scribbler... but be

The best darn scribbler this side of heaven

Be a plain verse writer like me.

Whatever your work; whatever you do

if you take time to do it at all

Do it the very best you know how

Whether the task is real big or just small.

Remember, it's not important what you are

And it's not always important what you know

But how well you use your knowledge

Will determine just how far you will go.

If you can't be the best, be the very next best

if you can't be the best, try your best

To improve whatever you're doing today

So tomorrow you'll pass the real test.

Remember, that no on can be you like you can

So make the most of yourself, please do

For if you've learned the art of being yourself

Everything will be "o.k" with you.

- My GrandPop Jack.

Always remember that no one can be you like you can - always keep the faith in your own heart and journey!