Brothers and sisters, have you ever been tempted to give up the fight? Have ever been so weary that you just want to rest? I’m sure you have, as have I. We’ve all been frustrated by the disinterest of too many of our people in securing a Southern future for our children.
I’ve heard friends, good friends, express that they don’t believe anything will change; or worse, truly believe that everything will continue to go in the direction of our godless enemies. That just burns me up! But honestly, I’ve had those feelings before. When you feel this way, sit and ask yourself – why you are even involved in what some might say is hopeless? Then imagine dogwoods, azaleas, and cherry blossoms in bloom. Ahh…how beautiful.
In a past life, I was somewhat of a musician, playing many different instruments, on many different stages. I even could sing a fairly decent tune, back in my day. Did I play or sing for the applause of the crowd? Not really, although it is always nice when someone enjoys my talent. But I did it because I love music, simply for its beauty, and wanted to be part of expressing that beauty to a listening crowd, to my own ears, or just to the wind.
Our mission is the same, to preserve beauty, and that beauty is Dixie. So, sing of her, speak of her, talk of her, write about her, and do it because she is beautiful, even if you are her only admirer.
Below is a poetic attempt to capture that spirit.
“The Minstrel”
The minstrel played,
To gather a crowd.
But no one came,
So, he played very loud.
‘Why did they not come?’
He thought to himself.
He sadly pondered,
To place his lute on the shelf.
Then he had another,
A thought to think beyond.
‘Maybe it was the tune?’
That the people frowned upon.
So, he changed his tune,
In hopes they would hear.
But no one cared to listen,
Now here’s the moral, my dear.
If you play to the crowd,
Then to them you belong.
And the crowd is always fickle,
So they won’t stay very long.
But if you play for the beauty,
For the tune in your heart,
No matter if there is a crowd,
The music will not depart.
Deo Vindice!
God save the South!
Service to God and honor to the South.
https://www.woh.org/2020/10/22/thyatira-hold-fast/
We don’t have to adopt an eschatology of victory. We just need to hold fast.
Consider that great poem by Abram Joseph Ryan:
https://www.poetry.com/poem/54618/a-land-without-ruins
N one is coming to save us, so victory by hard work and providence is the only option.
Father Ryan is my inspiration.
If you’re not already familiar with her, you may also like Fanny Downing.
I like your poem. With it, you answered your own question. I have given up, and if you lived in Mississippi, you’d be even more depressed.
I’m in Mississippi frequently, It’s a wonderful place, and there are many unreconstructed men there, especially in North Mississippi.
Hope and hard work is our lot.
Press forward.
I am on the Gulf Coast, 5 minutes’ walk from Jefferson Davis’ home. I would not know what North Mississippi is like. But the politicians who get voted to power in the state, like Wickers, Hyde, and even Reeves, aren’t promising.