Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Buck O'Neil. There is an exhibit about his life in the changing gallery at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum that will be up through February 5, 2012. The exhibit uses the work of visual artists and poets to help tell the story of Buck's life and his impact on others. Below are just a few things I believe he taught us.
Buck Up
Make the most
of the opportunities
you are given
and work to
give more
to others.
Honor your history, but
always move forward.
Accept that life
will hand you
disappointments,
but avoid actions
that will cause
disappointment
in yourself.
Never hesitate
to share a smile.
Most of all, love.
Oh yeah, love.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
John "Buck" O'Neil
I am a poet and photographer who likes sports, jazz and art inspired by other art. I served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the early 1970's and was assigned to the Computer Sciences School in Quantico, VA. I have published a chapbook of grief poems, I Keep You with Me. My work also has appeared in publications such as Thorny Locust Magazine, core. zine,The Enigmatist, Veterans' Voices and Kansas Time + Place An Anthology of Heartland Poetry. My visual art pieces combine poetry and photographs, and have been most recently displayed at InterUrban ArtHouse, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, Buttonwood Art Space, and The Smalter Gallery.
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I like your title. Lovely tribute poem, Michelle.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sabra. You would see him around town and you couldn't help but smile when you did.
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