Here is a poem I wrote on May 10, 1991 while contemplating Ecclesiastes Three simply entitled...
Live Right
The past is gone forever; the future not yet here.
Worry not about these things; live today. Do not fear.
For fear only cripples your joy, your peace, your love.
It breaks the legs of faith; it kills the turtle dove.
Enjoy the simple gifts of life: eating, drinking, sight.
Take these not for granted nor abuse them over night.
Hear the birds a singing. Smell the flowers too.
Enjoy the gift of music; it is a symphony meant for you.
Walk along the meadows and hills; observe, ponder, make.
A better way for others; a path they would not take.
Share your time and money; the things that cost you dear.
It is more blessed to give than receive said our Master very clear.
Pray for those around you who have it worse than you
and think not of yourself too highly for pride is a deadly dew.
All good and perfect gifts come from heaven above.
Therefore, thank the Christ who gave them; the God of infinite love.
Give yourself to God who made you. Happiness is His reward
that only comes to those who walk the straight and narrow cord.
Many ways a man may take in life but heaven's open gate
opens never widely but for those whose way is straight.
Copyright (C) 1991
I read this poem at my great grandmother's funeral in Stockton, CA on April 20, 1992
I also framed it and gave it as a gift to the well known actress Janet Leigh, formerly married to film star Tony Curtis, who I once met at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Janet Leigh is known for her many film roles but especially Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "Psycho" co-starring Anthony Perkins.
Mrs. Leigh visited the University of the Pacific in Stockton around October or November of 1995 and gave a speech about the acting business and her career. As I handed her the poem I told her that I was pursuiing an acting career and had read her autobiography. I went on to tell her that what moved me most about her book was her visiting the mental patients at the hospital in her earlier years before moving to Hollywood. I told her that my mother had been in and out of mental hospitals all her life and that I thought her visiting the mental patients and practicing music therapy with them had touched my heart.
Janet Leigh smiled as she listened intently. Then she walked over to me and gave me a kiss on my cheek. With tears beginning to trickle from her eyes she said, "Don't worry. You'll make it."
Carlton Pruitt ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor (SAG member)and junk removal expert he now spends most of his time studying the scriptures, writing articles, hymns and poems and doing street preaching. See his videos on www.YouTube.com LAStreetPreacher. CONTACT at Carlton2061@gmail.com
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