POCKET KNIFE

POCKET KNIFE

Roger A. Davis

Every year, a Christmas present from my wife
A Kansas Knife Collector edition pocket knife
It’s an early gift, issued not at the time of snows
Yet, all through the year, my appreciation shows

These go in a collector’s case for display
Papa Grace said a man needs a Case for every day
When young, I used to steal out to his dressing closet
And examine his nighttime pocket deposit

Open his carrying knife with young hands
Dreaming of someday cutting hay bands
Or whittling a sapling into a pointed stick
Peeling an orange rind that was thick

I have had a love of blades from then
Fueled by TV's Zorro and Daniel Boone
Knowing the time of carrying was coming soon
And the pocket knife would be man's 2nd best friend

After years of owning blades of many kinds
It’s still a great thrill to share with those of like minds
The ownership of a pocket knife of quality
Is an artistic thing of practical beauty

Tradition says, if you’re given a pocket knife
Give back a penny; it's a courtesy of life
Then you, too, can open up your heart
And impart your love, like does my wife

Sad time we live in when knives get a bad rep
Would they ban the carrying of pliers?
I don't think they ever would, except
If most politician were not cowards and liars

National Rifle Association promotes gun use
Papa Grace would be grieved by this similar abuse
Of his trusty Trapper Case
And the lack of common sense of the human race