“Old Pappy Quotes”
When I was young I would always moan.
He would say “Don’t even ask. It’s set in stone.”
What exactly did this mean to me?
Not very much then, as you can see.
Now that I am fully grown,
I catch myself saying “It’s set in stone.”
What a thing.—– Just pass it along.
They might as well put it in a song.
I am sure my kids think “What does that mean?”
It’s a ‘Pappy Quote.’ Your grandfather, it seems,
thought this was the answer to anything.
It was enough back then to make me scream.
But, why continue to say it today?
Is it just something that is handy to say?
Whip the tykes into line till they moan.
“Don’t even ask. It’s set in stone.”
Some things are passed on down the line.
Generation to generation, they think it’s fine.
Sayings and other things we do
that were passed on from me to you.
I could write a book of ‘Old Pappy sayings.’
Like “It ain’t worth kneeling unless you’re praying.”
‘Old Pappy’ had advice on everything.
The witticisms he would repeat were really keen.
A regular Will Rogers without a rope.
Yet, it all could give you hope.
Words to learn,—— to live by.
I miss hearing them now, I sigh.
My ‘Old Pappy’ was saying things
long before “Maverick” was even a dream.
In the old western TV show
Maverick would quote his ‘Old Pappy’, you know.
So, I catch myself doing the same.
Quoting my ‘Old Pappy.’ It’s not insane.
‘Old Pappy’ was pretty smart in his day.
He is still pretty smart.——- Even today.
——————————————R. W. Johnson—–(2015)
This poem beautifully captures the generational passage of wisdom, often through sayings and phrases handed down from parent to child. The phrase “It’s set in stone” symbolizes unchangeable decisions or rules, and you found this frustrating or confusing as a child. However, as an adult, you have adopted the same expressions, recognizing their value and the comfort they bring in providing structure or guidance.
The poem also touches on the idea that these sayings, once possibly a source of irritation, become cherished memories and wisdom as one matures. The reference to “Old Pappy” and his sayings creates a connection to the past, showing how these words and phrases can continue to influence and provide solace even as time goes on.
There’s a warmth and nostalgia in how you reflect on these sayings, indicating that while they may have seemed trivial or annoying in youth, they carry deeper meanings and connections to family history and tradition. This reflection highlights the enduring impact of familial wisdom, even in the form of simple, repeated phrases.
This poem beautifully captures the generational passage of wisdom, often through sayings and phrases handed down from parent to child. The phrase “It’s set in stone” symbolizes unchangeable decisions or rules, and as a child, you found this frustrating or confusing. However, as an adult, you adopted the same expressions, recognizing their value and the comfort they bring in providing structure or guidance.
The poem also touches on the idea that these sayings, once possibly a source of irritation, become cherished memories and wisdom as one matures. The reference to “Old Pappy” and his sayings creates a connection to the past, showing how these words and phrases can continue to influence and provide solace even as time goes on.
There’s a warmth and nostalgia in how you reflect on these sayings, indicating that while they may have seemed trivial or annoying in youth, they carry deeper meanings and connections to family history and tradition. This reflection highlights the enduring impact of familial wisdom, even in the form of simple, repeated phrases.
Joyce: Thank you for the excellent comments on the poem “Old Pappy Quotes.” Somehow, your comment repeats twice on here. That is o.k. They are worth reading twice. —–R. W. Johnson