Learning to Do with Less: “I Will Arise and Go Now,” by Ogden Nash
Post a comment telling me what you are doing in this present economic crisis to save costs and do with less.
“I Will Arise and Go Now”
by Ogden Nash
In far Tibet
There live a lama,
He got no poppa,
Got no momma,
He got no wife,
He got no chillun,
Got no use
For penicillun,
He got no soap,
He got no opera,
He don’t know Irium
From copra,
He got no songs,
He got no banter,
He don’t know Hope,
He don’t know Cantor,
He got no teeth,
He got no gums,
Don’t eat no Spam,
Don’t need no Tums.
He love to nick him
When he shave;
He also got
No hair to save.
Got no distinction,
No clear head,
Don’t call for Calvert;
Drink milk instead.
He use no lotions
For allurance,
He got no car
And no insurance,
No Alsop warnings,
No Pearson rumor
For this self-centered
Nonconsumer.
Indeed, the
Ignorant Have-Not
Don’t even know
What he don’t got.
If you will mind
The box-tops, comma,
I think I’ll go
And join that lama.
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I’m not asking for things I don’t need!
I’ve loved Ogden Nash since I was very young. A wise man once said, “Happiness isn’t getting what you want, it’s wanting what you get.” I would say that’s probably the secret of contentment in whatever state we find ourselves, whether in riches or in want. I’m curious, what plans does Evergreen have in place for helping to provide a refuge for members of her congregation and the surrounding community adversely effected by the rising economic storm? I’m trying to think concretely about our responsibility as believers to our neighbors in a time of economic recession. I’m sure you’ve given this a lot of thought. What are some suggestions you’ve come up with?
We are networking trying to link up those who have lost their jobs with others who are employers. We are praying together. Our deacons are counseling and relieving specific needs as they arise. On Saturday nights at Reconciliation, we respond to needs immediately. Any participant can complete a one page form that is reviewed while we eat dinner together after worship. A decision is made by onsite elders/deacons who have the authority of our diaconate to give to relieve the need. On Wednesdays we host dinner and an offering of several classes. One of the four adult electives this term concerns stewardship: “Whose Money is it Anyway?” From this class and from the deacons’ counsel, several people have made drastic reductions in their consumerism. One family has sold its home and has rented a much smaller domicile.