"MEMORIES"

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#555555" TEXT="#080000" background="03eb85a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>FOOD   FOR  THOUGHT 3 - A  </B></FONT><B>  </B></div> <div> <A HREF="about_us.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ABOUT US ">ABOUT US </A>   |   <A HREF="products_and_services.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special Poems">"Special Poems"</A>   |   <A HREF="humor.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="HUMOR">HUMOR</A>   |   <A HREF="inspirations.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="INSPIRATIONS">INSPIRATIONS</A>   |   <B>"MEMORIES"</B>   |   <A HREF="ideals.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="IDEALS">IDEALS</A>   |   <A HREF="turmoil.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="TURMOIL">TURMOIL</A>   |   <A HREF="contact_me.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Me">Contact Me</A>   |   <A HREF="guest_book.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Guest Book">Guest Book</A>   |   <A HREF="the_toadmaster.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="THE TOAD MASTER">"THE TOAD MASTER"</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#555555" TEXT="#080000" background="03f08083.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FOOD FOR THOUGHT 3 A ">Back To Homepage</A></div> <bR> <div>  <embed src="HTMLobj-91/Precious_memories.mid" autostart="true" loop="true" width="145" height="70">  </div> <div> <B>SOUND CONTROL</B></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#CCCCE4" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.png" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">"MEMORIES"</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * * * * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>SCROLL DOWN FOR:</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>''RED'S PIER''</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>''THE EQUALIZER''</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>''MY ONCE AND ONLY DEER HUNT''</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * * * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>In every </B></I><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#3300CC" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>life  comes a special memory event that dominates all others.</B></I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>In mine, was discovering Red's Pier in a visit to Newport News, Va</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>in 1947, the first site at my exit of the James River Bridge. This visit turned out to last for 60 years while the pier is only a memory.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>It was a great pleasure spot for all, with usual water and beach activities.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Located just below a huge cliff where atop, one could view the beautiful </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>settings of the James river, and most importantly, the spot where I proposed to my lovely wife in 1953. The following poem describes those events.</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>"RED'S PIER"</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Near Huntington Park, an old land mark,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and just beyond it's flank;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>lay a strip of land, a beach of sand,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>below James River's bank.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>From out atop that river lot</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>stood an aging, wooden pier,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>which came to be a favorite spot</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>for people far and near.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>There's not a day I pass that way</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>that memories don't appear;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>of thoughts of youth and yesterday..</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>returns me to Red's Pier.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>The river, James, this pier it claims,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>where  once our lives were grand,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and across it's lengthy waters came..</B></I></div> <div> <I><B> a view of the bridge's span;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>where sea gulls shrill and anglers thrill</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>'mid sounds from wind and waves,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>all  within my heart instill</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>the joys that memory saves.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Where time to spend a daily trend,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>to meet upon Red's Pier;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>no better place to find a friend </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>or lose your woes or fear.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>There is no clone cleft in stone,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>no banner flown in view;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>only thoughts of it alone,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>marks the place I knew.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>A special time now comes to mind,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and with it pleasures bring;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>for it was here at Red's Pier, </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>I gave my love  her ring.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Since '55 our marriage thrives,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and sometimes we shed a tear,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>for lasting memory in our lives,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>of our engagement here;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>from where we parked, loud speakers barked..</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Red Crossley's firm demands.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>He was heard from dawn to dark..</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>calling to his hired hands.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Yet, still I hear Red's shouts so clear</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>that come from long ago:</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>"Donnie, Frankie, go out there</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and get those boats in tow!"</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>"And fill the bin where ice is thin,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and with the box unlock:</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and get some bait  for those who wait</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>out on the landing dock!"</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>"Take a pail and with it bail,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>water from the skiffs about,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and slack the ropes on the larger boats</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>before the tide goes out!"</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Through the air these echoes blare,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>'mid glee from kids at play;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>all these things that once I cared,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>has long since died away;</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>but in my heart joy feelings start,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>and in my eye, a tear,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>for I know I'll never part from</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>my memories of Red's Pier!</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>* * *</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>William E. Hardison (c)</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>"THE EQUALIZER"</B></I></div> <bR> <div> This is a simple ballad, enhanced by Father Time; </div> <div> the contents, true and valid, still captivate my mind. </div> <div> So sit a spell, enjoy this tale, straight from my memory source,</div> <div>  a rare even, that  e're was spent upon a golfing course;</div> <div> about three golfing pals were we, Jim Fyfe, George White and me. </div> <div> We were three "birds of a feather" who ever tread the sod,</div> <div> and always close together, as peas are in a pod! </div> <div> We connected every morning with a "hanker" for the tee; </div> <div> could be Ocean View or Hampton, or Portsmouth's "Bide A Wee". </div> <div> But it was down at Hampton on this special day we met; </div> <div> they came in droves to "rub elbows", to choose up teams and bet. </div> <div> And all declared when teams were paired, to play two nine- hole sides. </div> <div> This was done so everyone could win, lose,or tie. </div> <div> So went our fate with much debate as teams were chose to be;</div> <div> as nine teams paired with foursomes there, but our team had just three! </div> <div> And we were caught with chances naught, Jim Fyfe, George White and me. </div> <div> So against all odds with weary "nods" we set forth from the tee..</div> <div> with woeful dread that lay ahead and woeful men were we;</div> <div>  three helpless men, no hope to win, Jim Fyfe, George White and me. </div> <div> And hole to hole we three were cold, although the day was hot; </div> <div> and nine holes lost, and clubs were tossed, and that first side was shot! </div> <div> Now that stint where misery went had filled our hearts with shame,</div> <div>  and it was felt we needed help to win the back-side game. </div> <div> Then, on that fateful day occurred a proven rarity, </div> <div> for lady Luck arrived and struck: Jim Fyfe, George White and me. </div> <div> For in our bind, we stood inclined to add help to our team, </div> <div> so we found one that's kin to rum, his name was old "Jim Beam". </div> <div> With old "Jim Beam" our special gleam, his presence "hit the spot", </div> <div> which gained our stride on that back-side with glow on every shot! </div> <div> With "Eagle on the 10th hole there and "birdie" on the next, </div> <div> came wonder shots so bold and dare...that showed straight from the text.</div> <div>  Now we know it's seldom so, but we did what's correct; </div> <div> and I'm not through by telling you, the best is yet to come; </div> <div> for at the 12th in which we dealt... we scored a hole-in one! </div> <div> Then 13th through the 15th hole came "birdie' on each one, </div> <div> and "Jim Beam" warming-up our soul was filling us with fun. </div> <div> So standing on the 16th tee, we held another toast... </div> <div> to celebrate our fourth teamate, "Jim Beam", our silent host. </div> <div> And then George White, his ball took flight and nearly found the hole;</div> <div>  "Well, whatcha know, it didn't go" he said with casual boast;</div> <div>  I must'a missed because my wrist was sprained from all those toasts!</div> <div>  And with a grin, he putted in and "birdie" there we post. </div> <div> That brought us to the 17th, a par 4, dog-leg right, </div> <div> and it was tough, two found the "rough", and in a ditch was Fyfe.</div> <div> Now George and I, we had no lie, the "rough" was too darn high, </div> <div> and our next shots went all to pots and Jim just heaved a sigh; </div> <div> said Fyfe: "I'll tell you guys that wasn't wise... </div> <div> you've left me all alone, 'cause from this ditch I need to pitch, </div> <div> I cannot drive it on; "unless", he said: " I'm not quite dead, </div> <div> fetch me my mate, "Jim Beam"; one small nip and I'll make her rip</div> <div> and put it on the green." So there in mud and ditch of crud, </div> <div> stood Fyfe in awkward fare, but when he swung, </div> <div> the golf ball sprung and mud slung everywhere,</div> <div> but on the green the ball did lean on the flag-stick by a hair! </div> <div> When his ball fled he turned and said:"did y'all see where it went?</div> <div>  I couldn't see for mud on me and my eyes were in a squint. </div> <div> But in short time he saw it fine, then states: " it didn't go! </div> <div> then taps it in with one big grin, like skill had done it so. </div> <div> Well next were we on the 18th tee with "Jim Beam" 'bout to fold;</div> <div>  'twas no concern, this hole could burn, we felt we had it won,</div> <div>  but finish high with record nigh was goal that could be done.</div> <div>  But Fyfe and White did things not right, they shanked their "drives" astray,</div> <div>  which brought a freeze to my old knees, and may cause me to sway. </div> <div> But then I knew that I had to just keep my ball in play;</div> <div>  but my "drive'' flew from slight miscue,( I dared to watch it land) </div> <div> and sure as sin it rolled right in the heart of bunkered sand;</div> <div>  then thought I might, just like Jim Fyfe, that I should try "Jim Beam", </div> <div> to calm my nerve so I won't swerve, that I may reach the "green". </div> <div> But George and Jim with sad -like grin, said: Jim Beam met his end,</div> <div> had met the task now  empty flask  lies in a garbage bin. </div> <div> So with that news I changed my views, and came to understand; </div> <div> that we came that far in under par and I dug my feet in sand....</div> <div> and I thought about to have no doubt, for I did not want to shy. </div> <div> So without ado I swung on through and the golf ball sailed on high...</div> <div> .through a sky of blue to the flagstick true, and stopped two feet away; </div> <div> and with one putt I rang the cup and we just made our day! </div> <div> I don't suggest you try this test and take some booze along, </div> <div> to make you shine from beer or wine to make your golf game strong, </div> <div> I only say that on that day, ours came on a thought; </div> <div> a moment when our pride was thin, and adventure had us caught! </div> <div> It goes to show you never know, just what comes to be. </div> <div> With things done light you'll be alright, like Jim Fyfe, George White and me! </div> <div> William E. Hardison (c)</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>My Once, And Only Deer Hunt</B></div> <div> <B>* * *</B></div> <div> <B>I never knew the consequence..</B></div> <div> <B> slaying a deer would have;</B></div> <div> <B>but all the time I felt suspense</B></div> <div> <B>while going down that path.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I made a stand up in the trees,</B></div> <div> <B>and loaded up my gun;</B></div> <div> <B>my hands and feet were 'bout to freeze,</B></div> <div> <B>my face already numb!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>It had to be the coldest morn'</B></div> <div> <B>in memory of my years,</B></div> <div> <B>for 'cicles from my nose had formed,</B></div> <div> <B>and frozen were my ears.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I was sitting there all tightly drawn</B></div> <div> <B>with ''big buck'' on my mind,</B></div> <div> <B>up-popped his doe and little fawn,</B></div> <div> <B>I thought: '' he's close behind!''</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>That brought surprise at what I saw,</B></div> <div> <B>my heart jumped all a'thrill,</B></div> <div> <B>my frozen blood began to thaw</B></div> <div> <B>on thoughts about a kill!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And there he stood, ten feet away,</B></div> <div> <B>whose sad eyes gazed in mine,</B></div> <div> <B>I felt a chilling, sick dismay</B></div> <div> <B>that traveled up my spine.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I didn't have the heart to fire,</B></div> <div> <B>so I just sat and stared,</B></div> <div> <B>for I had gained a new desire </B></div> <div> <B>to let that deer be spared.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I still don't know the consequence</B></div> <div> <B>of having shot a deer,</B></div> <div> <B>But, now I feel much better since,</B></div> <div> <B>I quit the sport that year!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>William E. Hardison  (C)</B></div> <bR> <div>   <div align="center"> <div style="padding:0px; border:1px solid #999999; width:235px; margin: 0px;background-color:#F2F4FA;"> <form action="http://pub2.bravenet.com/elist/add.php" method="post" style="margin:0px;"> <div style="background-color:#DBE0F5;padding:3px;font:12px arial;color:black;"><b>Join the Mailing List</b></div> <div style="margin:10px; font: 11px arial; color: black; text-align:right;"> <div style="margin-bottom:5px;">Enter your name and email address below:</div> Name: <input type="text" name="ename" size="25" maxlength="60" /><br> Email: <input type="text" name="emailaddress" size="25" maxlength="100" /><br> <input type="radio" name="action" value="join" checked style="border: 0px;"/>Subscribe  <input type="radio" name="action" value="leave" style="border: 0px;" />Unsubscribe  <input type="hidden" name="usernum" style="border: 0px solid black; height: 0px; width: 0px;" value="126720699" /><input type="hidden" name="cpv" style="border: 0px solid black; height: 0px; width: 0px;" value="1" /> <input type="submit" name="submit" value="GO" /></div> <div align="center" style="margin-bottom:5px;"><a title="Free Mailing Lists from Bravenet.com" href="http://www.bravenet.com"><img src="http://assets.bravenet.com/cp/bn-elist.gif" alt="Free Mailing Lists from Bravenet.com" border="0"></a></div></form> </div></div>   </div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>