"The Old Clay House"

I have been asked to locate an old poem entitled "The Old Clay House". It goes something like this...."When I'm through with this old clay house of mine...". If you know this old masonic poem or know where we can located a copy please email me below and I will get it to the inquiring brother. He is 87 years young!

Thanks to a visitor, the poem has been found and forwarded through the librarian who was searching on behalf of the Brother. Special thanks to Dave Clay!!!

The poem follows:

WHEN I am through with this old clay house of mine,

To live in this house, bury deep and forget

I want to be square and out of your debt,

When I meet the Grand Architect Supreme

Face to face, I want to be clean.

Of course I know it's too late to mend

A bad builded house when we come to the end

But to you who are building, just look over mine

And make your alterations. while there is time.

Just study this house, no tears should be shed,

It's like any clay house when the tenant has fled.

I have lived in this house, many days all alone

Just waiting, and oh, how I long to go home.

Don't misunderstand me; this old world divine

With love, birds, and flowers, and glorious sunshine

Is a wonderful place and a wonderful plan

And a wonderful, wonderful gift to man.

Yet. somehow we feel when the cycle's complete

There are dear ones across we are anxious to meet;

So we open the books and check up the past.

And no more forced balances - this is the last

Each item is checked; each page must be clean.

It's the passport we carry our Builder Supreme.

So when I am through with this old house of clay

Just box it up tight and lay it away;

For the builder has promised when this house is spent,

To have one all furnished with timber I sent

While I live here in this one. Of course it will be

Exactly as I have builded you see,

It's the kind of material we each send across,

And if we build poorly, of course 'tis our loss.

You ask what material is best to select

It was told you long since, by the great Architect.

"A new commandment I give unto you,

That ye love one another, as I have loved you"

So the finest material to send up above

Is clear, straight grained timber of Brotherly Love.