Tag: character

Walkin’ Under The Shadow Of The Broad-brimmed Hat

 
Walkin’ down on Main Street
Jes’ the other day,
I noticed the shadow of a feller
A’followin’ me along the way.
 
Couldn’t tell the character
Of the image that I saw,
But the broad-brimmed hat that he was wearin’
More less spoke it all.
 
The shadow of that broad-brimmed hat,
Its dark and creased tall crown,
Gave me pause to stop and think awhile;
Walkin’. Lookin’ down.
 
I find that there’s a quick respect
When another’s eyes meet mine;
Its like they knows and jes’ expects
I’m walkin’ that fine line.
 
Truth be told ’bout that broad-brimmed hat
It freezes a frame of days gone by,
When a man’s good word meant somethin’ sure
And in the saddle he rode certain high.
 
Now, I don’t mean to git all romantic
‘Bout those old times and places,
But it can make a body proud
Of his heritage and traces.
 
So when you’re walkin’ down on Main Street,
Ridin’ carriage or a plane,
If you’re wearin’ that creased and broad-brimmed hat
Folks take note; I’m jes’ sayin’.
 
Make sure the feller walkin’
Under the shadow of that broad brim
Is livin’ up to life and work,
Doin’ all that’s ‘xpected of him.
 
(c) RWHollar
September 28, 2012

 

The inspiration for this piece came as I was walking down Houston Street in Fort Worth, Texas. I spotted my shadow on the sidewalk and the broad-brimmed hat just sort of jumped out at me. I got to thinking about the culture of the old west, the tradition of the cowboy and all that seemed to me to be embodied in the solitary shape of the cowboy hat. A shadow is pretty non-descript…until you get to the hat. What a symbol of pride and respect. 

Ten Ways To Cultivate A Spirit Of Joy

A Few Kindly Chosen Words

  

 Keep a child’s perspective on life – live in wide-eyed wonderment, anticipation and dependence
Take time out for a few quite moments with God every day – get to know well the one who created you
Throughout the day, come back to the center, where God dwells deep within your soul

Take a walk with God – spend time talkin’ with Him; even better, just stop an’ listen to what He has to say
Call to mind God’s mighty deeds in your life – give Him thanks!
Enjoy your children, your grandchildren – listen to them; help them picture their special future
Do random acts of kindness; senseless deeds of compassion
Take time to make a new pard – you never know when a man will be in a need
Encourage someone who is down, hurting 
Show the woman you love true devotion and appreciation – you’ll never be able to measure the dividend
RWHollar April 30, 2011
Response to Spiritual Classics; John Henry, Newman; Corporate Disciplines, Celebration – Pg 332