The House By The Side Of The Road

"Thou shall love thy neighbors as thyself."

Matthew 22:39

In the wake of the trending news story about Sarah Sanders

being asked to leave a restaurant where she was dining with

her family due to the political bias of the owner, I  cannot

help being reminded of the days of segregation in this country

when black Americans were refused service at restaurants

and in other public establishments due to their race.

I am also reminded of the days before World War II

and the systematic persecution of the Jewish

citizens in Germany by the Nazis'

25 Point Party Program, which segregated Jews

from the Aryan or non-Jewish population,

 and which included Jews being banned from

eating in public restaurants.

White House Press Secretary

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

There are hermit souls that live withdrawn

In the peace of their self-content;

There are souls, like stars, that dwell apart,

In a fellowless firmament;

There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths

Where highways never ran;

But let me live by the side of the road

And be a friend to man.

Let me live in a house by the side of the road,

Where the race of men go by-

The men who are good and the men who are bad,

As good and bad as I.

I would not sit in the scorner's seat,

Or hurl the cynic's ban;

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

And be a friend to man.

I see from my house by the side of the road,

By the side of the highway of life,

The men who press with the ardor of hope,

The men who are faint with the strife.

But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears-

Both part of an infinite plan;

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

And be a friend to man.

I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,

And mountains of wearisome height,

That the road passes on through the long afternoon

And stretches away to the night.

But I still rejoice when the travelers rejoice,

And weep with the strangers that moan,

Nor live in my house by the side of the road

Like a man who dwells alone.

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

Where the race of men go by-

They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,

Wise, foolish,-so am I.

Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat

Or hurl the cynic's band?

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

And be a friend to man.

"The House By The Side Of The Road"

Sam Walter Foss

(1858-1911)

American librarian and poet