A Haven for Vee

Monday, December 14, 2015

He Worried About It

He Worried About It

The sun's heat will give out in ten million years more—
And he worried about it.
It will sure give out then, if it doesn't before—
And he worried about it.
It will surely give out, so the scientists said
In all scientifical books he had read,
And the whole boundless universe then will be dead—
And he worried about it.
~~~











And some day the earth will fall into the sun—
And he worried about it—
Just as sure and as straight as if shot from a gun—
And he worried about it.
When strong gravitation unbuckles her straps,
"Just picture," he said, "what a fearful collapse!
It will come in a few million ages, perhaps"—
And he worried about it.
~~~ 
And the earth will become much too small for the race—
And he worried about it—
When we'll pay thirty dollars an inch for pure space—
And he worried about it.
The earth will be crowded so much, without doubt,
That there won't be room for one's tongue to stick out,
Nor room for one's thought to wander about—
And he worried about it.
~~~

And the Gulf Stream will curve, and New England grow torrider—
And he worried about it—
Than was ever the climate of southernmost Florida—
And he worried about it.
Our ice crop will be knocked into small smithereens,
And crocodiles block up our mowing-machines,
And we'll lose our fine crops of potatoes and beans—
And he worried about it.
                                                 ~~~

And in less than ten thousand years, there's no doubt—
And he worried about it—
Our supply of lumber and coal will give out—
And he worried about it.
Just then the ice-age will return cold and raw,
Frozen men will stand stiff with arms outstretched in awe,
As if vainly beseeching a general thaw—
And he worried about it.
 ~~~



His wife took in washing—half a dollar a day—
He didn't worry about it—
His daughter sewed shirts the rude grocer to pay—
He didn't worry about it.
While his wife beat her tireless rub-a-dub-dub
On the washboard drum of her old wooden tub,
He sat by the stove and he just let her rub—
He didn't worry about it.






by Sam Walter Foss 
 
This poem pretty much sums up my opinion of the recent accord in Paris. Let's just say that the agreement has made me laugh and poke fun. Seems that they are bamboozled or else believe that everyone else can be.

Even though much of the country is currently enjoying much warmer than "normal" temperatures, it is not a first. I remember a Christmas Day that my father mowed the lawn in his shirt sleeves. Perhaps it was 1976, 1977, even 1978. I should check. I am getting old enough to see these cyclical weather patterns. One thing remains 
constant—weather has always been crazy! It should also be said that He Worried About It was published in 1895. Apparently, people have been worried about such things for a long time. And just as the poet hints in his final stanza, there are so many far more important things to be worried about IF I were the worrying kind. Ahem...

***

I'll get back to Christmas things next time. I came home with nothing after six hours of shopping last time. This can not go on! Hope that your plans are pulling together beautifully...


   

31 comments:

  1. Oh, that is a wonderful poem for our time. Yes, indeed, let's worry (or not worry, but do what we can) about living life responsibly and with integrity!
    I hope you have a wonderful, productive week - just think of those six hours as a reconnaissance outing.

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  2. Oh, you really don't want my opinion on the Paris thing, do you? LOL---Starts with a "j" and ends with a "e". ANYWAYS---Have a beautiful upcoming week, many holiday Blessings to you, friend.

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  3. What a great poem, and a great reminder that living our best life today is what matters. What does the bible say? Worry doesn't add one day to your life. Mmmhmmm.

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  4. Great poem, and goes to show there's nothing new under the sun.

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  5. First we hear of severe global warming, then we hear of a predicted new ice age. Really, I've GOT to start worrying! (but I just don't have time today). Great poem.

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  6. Never heard that poem before but is very meaningful. I agree with Linda, the Paris thing. But I was hopeful they were trying.

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  7. I enjoyed the poem...it certainly is meaningful! Hope your shopping goes a little better this time, lol. I have only got a couple of things left to buy so getting there. Lots of ornaments to make this week though. I've never been quite so behind, but I refuse to stress. ENJOY your week!

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  8. EXCELLENT post, Vee! thank you for sharing this piece from 1895. I am in wholehearted agreement.

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  9. What a great reminder of Who is in charge. Thanks for sharing the poem :)

    26.When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 NIV

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  10. That poem certainly fits the time. Its warm here as well, but I do remember plenty of times as a little girl when it was like this and also remember heavy snow in the south this month just four or so years ago. Definitely best to live in this time. Much better for the mind as well.

    Jen

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  11. That is a great poem. Doesn't it say so. very. much? Taking care of what is before us, taking time for what we CAN do...leaving the rest to the Lord. I know Mr. Foss did not say that in so many words, but that is what I am taking from it.

    As far as my plans pulling together beautifully? If I had another month or so, I think I could accomplish my plans. (Maybe.) As it is, I am trying to heed Mr. Foss's implied admonition and worry about the things that I can do something about.

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  12. What an interesting poem and a great lesson to us all. Do not worry. I think someone around our area mowed their lawn a few years ago one Christmas day because it was so mild and there was no snow. The past week was so mild all our snow melted but....it's snowing today and will change to ice pellets and freezing rain by tomorrow I think. Weird weather all over and there is nothing new under the sun. Have a productive week ahead Vee.

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  13. It's all about the money and you know who is getting rich off this silly thing.

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  14. Great poem, Vee. Worry is the great thief of life! ♥

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  15. I love that poem...and haven't thought of it in ages.
    Things are coming together here in spite of being totally TIRED...last week had a lot of fun things going on but they wore this olden lady O.U.T. I had 2 solid days I did NOTHING...not sure I even brushed my teeth...but, I'm good to go for now...so ....here I go...xoxoxo

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  16. 1895...some things never change. I do hope your next shopping venture is successful. There's always something in the back of my thoughts that I can't bring forward about something I might be forgetting. BUT...I'm not going to worry about it!

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  17. I can't even think of what nonsense is going on amongst world leaders. I have to chalk it up to God allowing men to go nuts in the end times scenarios.

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  18. What an interesting poem I've never seen before, and an astute commentary on the Paris boondoggle. I wonder what John Kerry would do for a job if this one wasn't available.

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  19. Quite an unusual poem to written when it was but nails the thoughts about worry on the head.
    We hit 56F today and it was wonderful although the rain came down in buckets tonight - could have been snow had it been the usual temperature.
    Hopefully you got some ideas during the 6 hour shopping and stopped for tea?

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  20. Great poem. I feel the same as you, Vee. I'm so comforted knowing that God is in control.

    Smiles,
    Carol

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  21. Good prose to show that worrying is not worth it! ;)

    Yes, history and weather repeat many times in all generations. I guess we have no control over the weather as yet, but I wish we could learn more from history and not repeat the bad things if possible.
    Our weather has not been warm--if anything we have been getting snow pretty regularly--life as normal in winter in Colorado. It's certain to be a white Christmas here, that's for sure

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  22. Oh that is such a cool poem, Vee! I wonder if the worriers worry like that because they are trying to control the uncontrollable because it is SAFE to do so.....and ignoring life around you - not helping, not worrying much about the immediate pending issues.....is it because of laziness, fear, mentally and physically? One is able to change the NOW but seldom choose not to do so........perhaps because it is way safer and immeasureably easier to worry about the things we cannot change. It's a "safe control" versus a real one. I grew up in a home where we were told not to worry, to do our best each day, and believe good always wins over evil. I absolutely adore my parents for letting me grow up unafraid and not be a worrier. Oh, it takes up so much time and energy....energies needed for all sorts of good deeds and beauty! : - )

    My favorite quote of all time is "Lord Grant Me The Courage To Change The Things I Can" quote - you know it I am certain. I won't continue it here, but you know what I mean, I just know you do. ♥ Hugs

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  23. This post is so awesome, Vee, I am so glad to read that someone else is Laughing at the misleading of our world leaders, I guess Al Gore finally got to them! Ha ha
    We are experiencing very warm temperatures too, and are being compared to temps. set a century ago! I too remember very warm winters! I also remember very cold ones such as last year! So my question to them is this, "which is it, global warming or Artic freeze?, make up your minds!"
    This makes me wonder how many in this country will buy into the hogwash of the political mess propelled by the liberals and media! OOps sorry for the soapbox!

    Hope you get that shopping done this weekend.
    Love, Sue
    p.s. If we are laughing can you imagine how much laughter is heard in heaven,as the One who created this universe and knows Who is still in control!

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  24. Great poem. Weather may be static, but I worry with the rise of cancer, autism, peanut allergies, etc. that didn't exist (in the record number) when I was young. I worry that people eating too much processed food or fast food is creating an insurance nightmare for those of us who have discipline not to fall into this trap. Have a conference on that and I will cheer!

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  25. You always make me think, Vee, and the sharing of the poem sure sparked my interest. I was shocked to see that it was written in 1895...wow! I guess I'm not much of a worrier over things I can't control, but stay the course through prayer.
    Hope you have better luck with your shopping. I've been saying that I wish there were two month of December...one to get things done and one to just enjoy. Wouldn't that be lovely??

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  26. There is always so much we can worry and fret about, isn't there. I think it's best if we all just try to do the best we can each day and leave the big stuff to God. I love the poem.

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  27. I have no idea what to think...to laugh or cry or pay no heed! But I know Who holds the future and so I don't pay too much attention to those things over which I have no control.

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  28. Such a great poem! I think it has so much truth. We are in God's hands. He already knows.

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