Butch Shares Message of ‘Splendour in the Grass’

   Are you a “baby boomer?” (someone born between 1946 and 1964) If so, have you ever said to someone, “I wish I was 17 years old again and knew then what I know now.”? That thought has run through my mind a few times in the past. I have been blessed with a great life, and have had the opportunity to enjoy three different careers . . . and fortunately I am still able to work full-time. Unlike many others, I have no desire to retire.

   I know people my age who worry about their health, mental and physical abilities, and the changes that come with age. Many have increased anxiety, become frustrated or lonely, feel powerless, or even get angry with others. None of those thoughts or emotions has affected me. I will admit that I do tend to think about the past more and more as I grow older, but I am not one to dwell on the past. I don’t have time to do that, as I am literally busy all day from the time I get up until it’s time to hit the sack. However, I appreciate the past and reflect on it … all of the good things, and a few sad memories, too, including the passing of loved ones. I often think of a poem written by William Wordsworth entitled “Splendour in the Grass,” from his “Intimations of Immortality.”

    “What though the radiance which was once so bright, Be now for ever taken from my sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass, Of glory in the flower, We will grieve not, rather find, Strength in what remains behind; In the primal sympathy which having been must ever be; In the soothing thoughts that spring out of human suffering; In the faith that looks through death, In years that bring the philosophic mind.”

   The “radiance” he refers to are the happy days of our youth, when we first experienced the beauty of nature . . . the sun, the grass, the flowers, the clouds, etc. As time passed, we had times of joy, times of sorrow. We worked and we played. We experienced love and lost love. We watched the sun rise and set. And that youthful radiance faded as we grew older. We cannot return to those days, but we can develop a “philosophic mind” as we edge closer to that final setting sun. That is where I am today. I appreciate all of the little things in life much more than I used to. I am happy and remain optimistic. I don’t get discouraged when things don’t go my way, and I am much more accepting of others. I don’t worry about the opinions of others. I try to adjust to change, but I am also perfectly happy doing things the “old way.” Successes, triumphs, failures, and disappointments are all in the past. In my reflection, I believe I have found what the poem stated … “the strength in what remains behind.”

   So yes, in looking back there are certainly a few things I would have done differently, based on what I have learned during my lifetime. No, I cannot be 17 years old again, but I have adjusted my mindset. For me, each day is a new challenge and a new opportunity. I still have goals and dreams. I think positive. I don’t fret over silly mistakes. I have a giving attitude. I still enjoy learning about anything and everything. I thank God for all my blessings.

   Now . . . fellow baby-boomers, what about you?

 John “Butch” Dale is a retired teacher and County Sheriff. He has also been the librarian at Darlington the past 36 years, and is a well-known artist and author of local history.