PAPA'S PRIDE Papa was a man of pride.... so proud a man,          refusing to cry with a head thrown high           as he walked and force in his words            as he talked Wisdom filled              his learned words                         some of the best I've ever heard, Like:        "Look out for yourself, son                I'll get by;" The way he spoke:     "Hello!" and  "Hi!" Now  Papa worked hard              all day, A great law of nature          he would say; "Do your best            and do not steal,               though sometimes a must, to get a meal!" "The doors of the world are plenty," he'd tell, "So prepare yourself,         cause out there is hell!" "Stay out of war and do not kill,        find yourself a trade or a skill!" Papa was a man of all seasons,       eight kids and a wife             good enough reasons. Those dreams of his,         when we got older,                    college                     the works                      public office holder. Instead, I went my seperate way        with Papa's words of childhood days His words I'll treasure 'til I die "Look out for yourself son, I'll get by!" And be within a man of pride         with my head thrown high as I stride.

">

">

">

">

MELVIN LEON SMITH, SR. JULY 30, 1919 - MAY 6, 1989

IN MEMORY OF MY FATHER

">

">

">

">

COPYRIGHT 2003 BY W.R.I. "EASY" SMITH