Clinton Hassett
Winnett, Montana
Clinton HassettWinnett, Montana |
|
I was born on January 6, 1907, near Garneill, Montana. When I was 5 years old we moved to a homestead near Winnett, Montana. I eventually developed a ranch and raised sheep, cattle, pigs, and horses. I only got an 8th grade education in a country school. My wife died in 1992 and soon after that I retired and moved to Winnett. When living with predators and mice I learned that with lots of predators we had lots of mice and with very few predators we had very few mice. That is why I wrote this poem about a frightened little mouse. I know it is true because I lived it. |
A Frightened Little MouseI am just a little mouse and scared as I can beAs I wonder what the future holds in store for me. I am scared of that silent killer that steals up quietly, And I know that when it comes, it will be the end of me. If it was something I could see, I'd know just what to do. But when I cannot see it, it sneaks right up on you. Those germs of that disease seem to be just everywhere, And they'll get me in the end, even though I take great care. Oh, I wish we had some coyotes, so they would eat the sick, you see, Then the sick would all be gone, and couldn't bring those germs to me. If it was just a few coyotes, I could watch and run and hide But those awful, awful germs, are right here by my side. Now those coyotes have been gone from here for many years, you see So I suppose those awful germs will soon put an end to me. Now I'll say goodbye to you, even though I'm young and having fun As I know those germs will get me as from them I cannot run. |
My 80 Years On EarthIt was many years ago that my mother said: "I see,Your hair is very red, so you must look much like me." My cousin said that I was inconsiderate, you know, Because I made her mother walk through a lot of snow To carry lots of water to bathe that very little me And to get lots of things that doctors need, you see. I even came before my folks could fix their cabin, too. So the cabin wasn't much, but for me it had to do. The doctor told my mother it was like the birth of Christ, you see, That setting was about the same, except a manger there should be. Now, many years have passed. And I've seen many changes, too, Changes in our ways of farming; and in our people, too. I am really very thankful for the help throughout the years, From my very special neighbors who helped drive away my fears. Our dearest Lord and Savior has been near me every day, To help me and guide me along life's troubled way. He even brought me back to life, for some reason it is true. Now I hope that I can do whatever He wants me to. Then when I enter through that door, that it was my privilege to see, I hope some of my many sins will be forgiven then for me. Thanks to all you nice people, who are gathered here today. May the good Lord bless and keep you, and help you on your way. Your thoughtfulness will be remembered, for many years, 'tis true. May you all have many birthdays, and may they be happy, too. |
Snow FlakesBeautiful little snowflakes, if you could talk to me,You could tell a great big story of things that you did see, As you floated round the earth, away up in the sky, You have seen a lot of scenery as you were passing by. The winds I'm sure have brought you many times this way, Then turned around and blown you back again the next day. But now you are a snowflake, shining nice and white, You came to earth so gently, falling through the night. And though you cannot talk to me, I know that it is true You have seen a lot more country than I can ever do. |