Learn good, solid habits of work and how to concentrate, The day's work will be easier and more knowledge thy fate. With such safe mental habits you will be prepared for life, And self-education will be acquired daily without strife. Let each day begin with prayer to meet the day's deeds. Use thy life's capabilities in service for thy brother's needs. A life of air tight compartments will become a life well spent. Time, your most precious gift, use wisely for each event. Reserve time to read the thoughts of the greatest thinkers you wish to know Each night before you lay your head to rest upon your pillow. Appreciate all who have gone before you to pave the way. Take advantage of and fully enjoy the splendor of each day. The truest use of learning is its application in life and service; Good deeds for your fellowman will bring the greatest happiness. This great message called from the past, I am sure, throughout my life will last. A Way of Life for me is true and will always affect whatever I do. For "Beauty is truth, truth, beauty- that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know." (Keats)
1954
(Slide)
The second poem was written in 1955 before I had read Edith Reid's The Great Physician, which I did many years later. The poem shows my anxiety over great professors at Duke in 1955:
The Great Physician, Sir William Osler
To many "The Great Physician" is known as Jesus For this has been taught from childhood to us, But Davison seldom mentions many things Unless Osler into the conversation he brings, "Osler did this," or "Osler said this," Preceded messages we would never miss. My first birthday gift from my dear wife Was Osler's immortal A Way of Life. At Christmas she gifted me with another, Harvey Cushing's The Life of Sir William Osler. As medical writer, philosopher, diagnostician and clinician For many he has earned the title, "The Great Physician." Will my medical assignment be Osler or Drake Ward With "Daddy Blue Eyes" Stead or "Black Jack" Myers as reward? On either ward there is no promise of having much sleep;
