OUR FATHER'S CASTLE

It nestled on the brow of a hill, by the side of a winding trail.

The tomahawk and fire brand of a hostile Indian could harm it not.

The blasts of winter held it in its frozen grip, and spread an icy mantle of sleet and snow over it; as if to hide its homeliness.

It was lost to view in a sea of flames as a winddriven prairie fire surged around it.

The tornado writhed and twisted and spent its fury on it.

The scorching sun and winds of summer beat upon it.

Yet in the calm of autumn the moon beamed thru the window upon the children in the little trundle bed.

Thru cold and heat; thru flame and fury that had raged over them; they had played or slept in that peace,safety, and comfort that mother earth has ever given to them that seek the shelter of her bosom.

Within its crowded space the new found neighbors gathered to minster to some misfortune or celebrate some joyous event.  Its narrow walls were ever broad enough to shelter some weary traveler from the chill of night or storm.

Its tiny stores were large enough to divide with some less fortunate neighbor.

It was home to those who fought with drought and hunger.

It was home to those who would, and did an empire build.

Today, it is as but a dent in the hillside--as a blur in our memory may we commemorate it in legend and in song.

The old dugout--the refuge of the pioneer.

The castle of the homestead.

May we in these dark days of depression and drought, kindle anew the flame of the fraternity of the old dugout.

May we stand neighbor to neighbor and as shoulder to shoulder in this common cause to all.

Through the far stretches of our country hearts bleed over our plight.

The government and great agencies of mercy are bending to aid us.

Let us stand as our fathers stood--as neighbor and brother.  And the depression, heat and drought will not have destroyed all.

And we shall find that much of the dross has been burned from the gold within us.  And we shall emerge from under this thing with a better faith in humanity.

A better understanding of our government.

A better hope for our future.

A better love for our neighbor.

And a better respect for our neighbor's God.

Let us in our hearts abide again in Our Father's Castle.

--J. F. Stanton

1878-1960