To James F. Byrnes

by Johann Mishoe McCrackin – 1952 Scholar

How shall I answer, when in years to come
My children ask of me, "Who is this man?"
How shall I tell them of a debt I owe
To one who was a great American?

They first shall hear how history records
A statesman great in wisdom, small in frame
Who walked, a noble giant in an age
Marked by a Roosevelt's and Churchill's name.

They shall learn of a leader who returned
To serve a state once left, but not forgot;
An humble man, sometimes misunderstood;
What man of real integrity is not?

He chose his sons and daughters through a plan
Born of the circumstances of his youth,
To help young people seek their destinies
Among the ancient, cherished halls of Truth.

Those of us who were chosen still recall
The wonder of that magic day and year
He clasped our hands and welcomed us into
His family and its fellowship so dear.

More than his gold, he gave us of himself –
His joy, his faith in us, his wise advice.
In answer to their questions I shall say,
"Because of him I live a better life."