John Kasich and me

Of Captains

(by R.P.Edwards)

At the helm

A steady hand

The course determined

The purpose planned

The thoughtful captain

Tested, sure

Years in training

Purged

And pure

Then storms, they threaten!

The weaker wail!

Those unfamiliar

With wind and sail

The bowing mast!

The creaking deck!

The novice screams

Of reef...and wreck!

But the captain knows

The end's the thing

And to the tempest

Whispers, "bring"

Then face like flint

He parts the waves

And those who'd rule

He makes them slaves

 On and on

Through valleys deep

From crest to crest

No rest!

No sleep!

He guides the ship

To distant land

Where those below

Can safely stand

And as the plank

Is pushed and placed

The battle's clamor

Gone, erased

A precious few

Will turn and wave

A thanks to him

Whose wisdom saved

But most go on

 In selfish more

Until their need

For "tested...sure"

"Who's your governor?" A simple question asked of a couple fast-food friendlies who were fetching some much needed coffee in a post midnight hour. We (the "six;" a number that made "flying" [the preferred mode of transportation] a bit too pricey] were well on our way to the nutmeg state and I, the primary driver, needed some liquid stimulant. I knew we were in Ohio and, being a John Kasich fan, I thought I'd test the knowledge of these fine and faithful young men. They hadn't a clue.

Oh, I don't blame them. At their age I wasn't nearly as tuned into the boring world of politics. But, seeing how the proper "captain" at the helm can steer a state into solvency, Governor Kasich's name came to mind and, the mouth (to the consternation of the graveyard shift) followed.

Just a thought about the coming election. That is: the "choosing" of the next chief executive. I hope we've all learned that experience governing is a must. Sure, I believe a different prior position can produce a memorable offspring (Lincoln comes to mind), but, "governors" know how to, frankly, govern. Therefore, let "We the People" wisely think along these lines when the contestants line up. Kasich? Yes. Christie? Yes. Huckabee? Yes! (my choice). Jindal, Walker, Brownback? Yes, yes, yes! And the list goes on.

And to the Senators of the conservative ilk which speak well and inspire much, to these I would suggest the second position of Vice President. It's a place (although we rarely say it), for the not quite ready...to become ready. Something to think about, inspired by a long trip. A few more musings may follow.

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