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THE LAMBSKIN

Author unknown

It is not ornamental, the cost is not great

There are other things far more useful, yet truly I state,

Tho’ of all my possessions, there’s none can compare,

With that white leather apron, which all Masons wear.

As a young lad I wondered just what it all meant,

When Dad hustled around and so much time was spent,

On shaving and dressing and looking just right,

Until Mother would say; "It’s the Masons tonight".

And some winter nights she said; "What makes you go,

Way up there tonight thru’ the sleet and the snow,

You see the same things every month of the year".

Then Dad would reply; "Yes, I know it, my dear".

"Forty years I have seen the same things it’s true,

And though they are old, they always seem new,

For the hands that I clasp, and the friends that I greet,

Seem a little bit closer, each time that we meet".

Years later I stood at that very same door,

With good men and true, who had entered before.

I knelt at the alter and there I was taught,

That virtue and honour can never be bought.

That the spotless white Lambskin all Masons revere,

If worthily worn, grows more precious each year.

That service to others brings blessings untold

That man may be poor, though surrounded by gold.

I learned that true Brotherhood flourishes there,

That enmities fade ‘neath the Compass and Square.

That wealth and position are all thrust aside,

As there on the level, men meet and abide.

So honour the Lambskin, may it always remain,

Forever unblemished and free from all stain.

And when we are called to the great Fathers love,

May we all take our place in that Lodge up above.