Edgar Guest, 1881-1959, was born in Birmingham England and raised in Detroit Michigan where he lived for most of his life. He started working for the Detroit Free Press as a child. So he was a guy with solid working class credentials and deserves the title The People’s Poet. One would expect his poetry to reflect the nitty-gritty of life in a newsroom but instead he is known for his inspirational and uplifting prose.
The two books of his in my possession probably belonged to my paternal great grandparents, Abezer and Harriet Jameson who lived their entire lives near Chicopee Massachusetts. My other great grandparents were Swedish and probably didn’t speak the language that well.
I am loathe to criticize any artist but I can see why a steady stream of Guest might inspire visions of the zombie apocalypse.
However, I did find this interesting snippet from one of his fourteen stanza, all in rhyme pieces:
It reminded me of a famous song by Pete Seeger. Do you suppose Seeger grew up listening to Guest’s radio program, “A Guest in the House,” and got inspired to write a protest song starting with an unanswerable question?
Saying nothing in particular 
“Where are you going, Young Fellow My Lad,
On this glittering morn of May?”
“I’m going to join the Colours, Dad;
They’re looking for men, they say.”
“But you’re only a boy, Young Fellow My Lad;
You aren’t obliged to go.”
“I’m seventeen and a quarter, Dad,
And ever so strong, you know.”.
Robert William Service, 1917
This poem has the same rhythm which I guess was normal for the time.
My father would recite this poem during the early days of the Vietnam War and tell me that the seeds of many great truths and lies were found within. Duke
That’s true. It was just odd to stumble upon in all those other lighthearted poems.
This is where the saying “queer as folks” comes from‽ I’m not familiar with this poet but he had his niche. Fascinating.
Probably. Words change meanings over the decades. I think in this case, it meant different, as in not concerned about money or status.
I love the summary of the role of a father versus the role of a grandpa. The other, about the war, is very sad.
Wonderful Jan!
I loved listening to the poem. I do know it, but it never sounded so good.
Thank you!
I think that was Guest. He had his own radio show.
Ahh, thank you!