Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959): The People’s Poet

Do you enjoy clean and “down-to-earth” poetry? If yes is your answer, as it is mine, you should enjoy the poems (more than 15,000 of them) by the late Edgar A. Guest, the former and only poet laureate of Michigan. 

Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959) was born in England and came to America with his family in 1891. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1902. His talent for writing poetry that reflected biblical morality, values, ethics and principles was shared with the people of America as his poems were syndicated in over 200 newspapers for some 40 years. He was the author of several books of poetry, and his poems were placed in various categories: patriotism, home and family, God and faith, boys and girls, holidays, etc. His one poem that seems to be aimed at me and others of the Christian faith is the one entitled, “Sermons We See.” I have known this poem by the opening line: “I’d rather see a sermon.” Here it is … my favorite poem of Edgar A. Guest:

“Sermons We See”

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;

I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,

Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;

And best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see good put into action is what everybody needs. 

I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. 

And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,

But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;

For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind,

When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind

Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me

To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.

And all the travelers can witness that the best of guides today

Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way. 

One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;

One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.

Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear, 

For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.

Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,

I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day. 

The Bible teaches that we need to practice what we profess; we need to walk the talk. 

Peace!