The Executor

While doing some research for a motivational speech, I ran across this poem by Edgar Guest.  I believe this was authored in 1942.  Edgar Guest was an English-born American poet who was popular in the early 20^th century.  He became known as the “People’s Poet”.  I hope you enjoy this read and think about who you may appoint as your Personal Representative:

THE EXECUTOR

I had a friend who died and he,
On earth so loved and trusted me,
That ere he quit this earthly shore,
He made me his executor.
He tasked me through my natural life,
To guard the interests of his wife,
To see that everything was done,
Both for his daughter and his son.
I have his money to invest,
And though I try my level best,
To do that wisely, I’m advised,
My judgment oft is criticized.

His widow once so calm and meek,
Comes, hot with rage, three times a week,
And rails at me, because I must,
To keep my oath appear unjust.
His children hate the sight of me,
Although their friend I’ve tried to be,
And every relative declares,
I interfere with his affairs.
Now when I die I’ll never ask,
A friend to carry such a task,
I’ll spare him all such anguish sore,
And leave a hired executor.

– Edgar A. Guest 1881 – 1959