Earl Varner

Akron, Ohio

I was born on September 20, 1920. I completed formal schooling, both high school and college, graduating in June, 1950 with a business degree. I married my wife on November 4, 1944. We have four children (two girls and two boys), five grand-daughters, and one great-grand-daughter. My work is construction estimating and cost accounting. The greatest and most singularly rewarding event in my life was when I became a Christian in 1957, by placing my trust and my confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ, and his accomplishments for myself and for others.

A Poet

What is it that a poet needs:
On what subjects does he feed?
For what type causes does he bleed;
And pickings are easy 'twixt flowers and weeds?

Is there a spirit inspiring him;
A nagging ambition retiring him;
A task too arduous, perspiring him?
Or maybe the need is re-wiring him!?

On what shelves does he glean
For new ideas to fill his bean?
Which are the oldies that he must wean
Let them die; or let them be seen?

Up and down in frowns and glances;
Words thet wear in passing fancies
Of thoughts that spin like dervish dances
And pepped-up cowboys on far away ranches?

Why, Oh why? Did I give a dang
To be a poet they'd rather not hang?