Poetry’s Magic

As autumn's crisp air ushers in the holiday season, I'm drawn into the magical realm of words. The soothing rhythm of poetry, the delight of children's stories, and the possibilities of this year's children's podcast create a joyful symphony.

Recently, I have been exploring the classic works of great literary figures from my library. With his earthy poetry, Carl Sandburg paints such vivid pictures of the American landscape that you can almost feel the breeze. Dr. Seuss, the master of whimsy, joyfully transports us to fantastical worlds brimming with colorful creatures. And let’s not forget Edgar Albert Guest, who beautifully captures the essence of everyday life, making it feel extraordinary: simple yet profound reflections on love, hope, and friendship.

You may have noticed recently that I've been adding poetry to my On the Fly blog posts to brighten things up. It’s been a delightful and rewarding journey, and I've discovered so much about the beautiful art of poetry along the way. I genuinely hope you find as much joy in reading my poems as I do crafting them!

In November 2022, we had the pleasure of introducing you to Edgar Albert Guest, an American poet whose inspiring words have touched the hearts of many generations. Guest was loved for his uplifting and hopeful verses, which beautifully capture themes of hard work, perseverance, and life's simple joys. His work uniquely connects with readers of every age, and his verses are still joyfully recited and shared today!

This holiday season, we’re excited to share one of his delightful poems that beautifully celebrates the lasting bond of friendship.

When Friends Drop In, by Edgar Albert Guest–Enjoy!

“It may be I'm old-fashioned, but the times I like best

Are not the splendid parties with the women gaily dressed,

And the music tuned for dancing and the laughter of the throng,

With a paid comedian's antics or a hired musician's song,

But the quiet times of friendship, with the chuckles and the grin,

And the circle at the fireside when a few good friends drop in.”

“There's something 'round the fireplace that no club can imitate,

And no crowd can ever equal just a few folks near the grate;

Though I sometimes like an opera, there's no music quite so sweet

As the singing of the neighbors that you're always glad to meet;

Oh, I know when they come calling, the fun will soon begin,

And I'm happiest those evenings when a few good friends drop in.”

“There's no pomp of preparation, there's no style or sham or fuss;

We are glad to welcome callers who are glad to be with us,

And we sit around and visit, or we start a merry game,

And we show them by our manner that we're mighty pleased they came,

For there's something real about it, and the yarns we love to spin,

And the time flies, Oh, so swiftly when a few good friends drop in.”

“Let me live my life among them, cheerful, kindly folks and true,

And I'll ask no greater glory till my time of life is through;

Let me share the love and favor of the few who know me best,

And I'll spend my time contented till my sun sinks in the west;

I will take what fortune sends me, and the little I may win,

And be happy on those evenings when a few good friends drop in.”

I’m Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you next episode.

Comments

Don Hanley said…

Beautifully written Patrick - and I delight in having you drop by!

November 23, 2024 at 11:24 AM

A Heart Full of Thanks

Oh, the thanks I could think, and the thanks I could say! For the wonderful people who brightened my day. The first one is Lori, my wife, sweet and true, Who knows just the thing and knows just what to do. She whipped up a feast with a smile and a sigh, With corn on the cob and a steak cooked “On the Fly!” My neighbor, Steve, with a mischievous gleam, Said, “No fence work today! No work, it would seem! You’ll paint with some water, some colors so bright, And sign your new painting with all of your might!" I laughed and I said, “But I don’t know that skill! I’ll slap on some paint and see what sticks still!” Then there’s my friends on the Facebook machine, The best group of readers that ever was seen! They read all my blogs and they hear my podcasts, They send all their cheer that's built to last! And Billy and Linda. A Snoopy card in the mail. A wonderful surprise that was sure to prevail! From very good friends, a delightful new tale ! But the thanks didn't stop, no, not...

History Isn’t a Museum

✨ In this episode, History Isn't a Museum—It's a River . . . History isn't a museum—it's a river, and like it or not, we're already swimming in it. Its waters carry timeless lessons forward, flowing through each generation, waiting to be rediscovered . This profound realization struck me while reading Marcus Aurelius's Meditations . Imagine: a Roman emperor and philosopher two thousand years ago, writing notes that sound like advice from a modern mindfulness coach. When he says, "You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength," it feels like he's speaking directly to us. The water may change, but the river is the same. Examining this writing with a fresh, childlike perspective and a wealth of experience, I realize how consistent human nature remains over time. Every generation faces familiar challenges, marked by frustration, peace, courage, faith, baseball, and the search for meaning across the ages...

Lessons from 1872

In this episode, Lessons from 1872: Travel in the Age of No-WiFi . . . Imagine having 80 days to explore the world, with no smartphones, no jet planes, and no money concerns. A thrilling thought, right? That’s the fantasy Jules Verne implies in his classic adventure, Around the World in 80 Days , and it's a question I've been pondering from my easy chair in Vista, California. This week’s On the Fly , we're traveling back in time with one of the most thrilling literary adventures ever written. Early on, it’s clear this is Phileas Fogg’s story—a man of clocks and calculations, whose every move is measured. His journey isn’t about discovery, but a bet—a mathematical challenge involving money, schedules, and perfect timing. But when you think he’s the engine of the story, someone else quietly steals the show. Meet Passepartout: The Heart of the Journey. Jean Passepartout, Fogg’s new valet, is Fogg’s complete opposite. A former circus acrobat seeking a quiet life, he joins Fo...

You're Not Stuck

✨ In this episode, You’re not Stuck—you’re in a habit you forgot you built. One bad moment can ruin your day, but one habit can change your life. In this episode of On the Fly , discover how small, daily actions can rewire your mindset, replace negativity with possibilities, and even lift the people around you. Your 7-day challenge starts now. You’re Not Stuck—You’re Just in a Habit. Yes, a single bad moment, a rough headline, or a tense conversation can throw off your entire day. Before you know it, your thoughts are spinning in a hamster wheel of frustration and negativity. Here’s the reality: you don’t have to stay on that wheel. The secret isn’t a lightning bolt of motivation—it’s something quieter but far more powerful: habit. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle. Mindset doesn’t change through grand gestures—it changes through small, repeatable actions . Your brain is constantly building pathways—tiny roads tha...

On The Fly

Search This Blog