Sam Walter Foss Quotes

A collection of quotes by Sam Walter Foss.

Sam Walter Foss was an American poet, born on June 19, 1858, in New Hampshire. He is best known for his thoughtful and humorous works, often exploring themes of common humanity, perseverance, and optimism. Foss gained widespread recognition through his published collections, including "Back Country Poems" and "Dreams in Homespun." He drew inspiration from his experiences as a librarian and later as a businessman before devoting himself to writing. Foss's poetry continues to resonate with readers for its accessible and relatable style, capturing the essence of everyday life. He passed away on February 26, 1911.

He was a friend to man, and lived in a house by the side of the road. HOMER There are hermit souls that live withdrawnIn the peace of their self-content;There are souls, like stars, that dwell apart,In a fellowless firmament;There are pioneer souls that blaze their pathsWhere highways never ran;But let me live by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man. Let me live in a house by the side of the road,Where the race of men go byThe men who are good and the men who are bad,As good and as bad as I. I would not sit in the scorners seat,Or hurl the cynics ban;Let me live in a house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man. I see from my house by the side of the road,By the side of the highway of life,The men who press with the ardor of hope,The men who are faint with the strife. But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tearsBoth parts of an infinite plan;Let me live in my house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man. I know there are brook-gladdened meadows aheadAnd mountains of wearisome height;That the road passes on through the long afternoonAnd stretches away to the night. But still I rejoice when the travellers rejoice,And weep with the strangers that moan. Nor live in my house by the side of the roadLike a man who dwells alone. Let me live in my house by the side of the roadWhere the race of men go byThey are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,Wise, foolish so am I. Then why should I sit in the scorners seatOr hurl the cynics ban?Let me live in my house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.

Sam Walter Foss