Grandpa’s Wooden Chest

By: Worshipful Brother Jack Sutton, Corner Stone Lodge, Duxbury, MA

Presented to Damascus Lodge #10, April 2014 by Worshipful Brother Jess Worwood where it was included in the Trestleboard.

I hated to hear the lawyer say
The things my grandpa gave away.
Like his old truck to Dad and Mom
And world war medals to Uncle John

My name was called and something was said
About an old wooden box Underneath his bed.
Just a worn out chest With a rusty hinge
But I knew Grandpa kept Something special within.

When I opened the lid All I could see
some unused tools and a letter to me.
A large fancy cloth with two long strings
A small wooden hammer among other things

He wrote: a man’s job
Is to be a good husband, father, and friend.
I built my life as best I could
By the tools laid here within.

He said the compasses remind me that life has boundaries
So live your life within
The square proves true and so should you
When dealing with all your friends.

Be an honorable man and walk uprightly
to the plumb.
The level teaches us to treat all men equal
Instead of only some.

And now it’s your turn
To start your journey for knowledge, love, and faith
So live your life by the Square and Compasses
And tools of your trade

Many years have passed by since I first opened
Grandpa’s wooden chest
The tools he gave me, the words he wrote
The challenge to be my best.

Today I’ll visit Grandpa
At the place where he was laid
To let him know he can be proud
I’m a Master of my trade.