Practical Poetry...

I've always enjoyed good advice that sticks with me, good mnemonics can make for good memory.  I remember dad used to tell us kids as we drove along... no air conditioning in our cars except the windows in those days... "Don't stick your arm out too far, it may go home in another car."  I also remember, "If you're looking here, while walking there, you'll walk into a wall, totally unaware."  Good advice.

Little sayings like, "Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosy" kept me from bust knuckles or over-tightening bolts.  "Aim small, miss small" is something that iron sights and a distant target will prove correct.  Of course if you're old enough to have more than a few gray hairs, you may even recall the advice of the Burma Shave road signs...  

A guy
Who drives
A car wide open
Is not thinkin'
He's just hopin'
Burma-Shave 

Well, I don't have the eloquence or flow of terrific blog writers like Brigid... but about ten years ago I wrote a poem for my daughter... in preparation for her first gun when she was seven.  I hoped it would help her continue the safe practices she had been taught and might be a good memory for her.  This is the first time I've publicly shared her poem as her copy is framed and sits on an end-table in our home.

My Daughter’s First Gun

I thank the Lord above

For you, my daughter to love,

So heed these words I say

It may save a life someday,

Safely point your gun

Never at anyone,

Never let your finger

On the trigger linger,

Do not load ammunition

Until you’re in position,

Remember to always track

Beyond your target’s back,

Unload your gun then check

The chamber you should inspect,

Protect your eyes and ears,

So they last through the years,

Whether fun, sport, or defense

Always shoot with common sense.

With love, your Dad

Yeah, it's a bit cheesy, but I'm not a poet and she was seven at the time.  She learned early on about gun safety and handling... and she took it to heart.  From a dad to a daughter... some... Practical Poetry...