> THE CANDIDATE > by RW Alan R. Heath > > It was his dream to become a Mason, > Though he wasn't sure quite why. > So he made an application, > Then waited months for a reply. > > No committee came to pay a call, > To meet him and his wife, > No invitation to Mason's hall; > Nor offer of advice. > > Finally a postcard in the mail, > Said, "come Monday night at six, > And bring us twenty dollars, > If you want to see our tricks." > > He made that solitary journey, > And entered by the door, > But not one hand was offered, > As he slowly crossed the floor. > > They fed him beans and hot dogs, > And a piece of apple pie, > Then lead him to a little room, > With no explanation why. > > The work was done with care and skill, > No one could argue that. > But, the candidate was forgotten, > As they patted themselves on the back. > > He came to the lodge hall two more times, > And was raised to the third degree. > That was the last time they saw him. > What could the trouble be? > > They scratched their heads and wondered, > As again they cried and moaned, > "Our time has all been wasted!" > "We should have stayed at home." > > It seems to me that they've missed the point, > But they need to understand. > It's not just how well you do the work, > It's how you treat the man. > > Because you can only be a Mason, > When you're a Mason in your heart; > And along with his jacket seams, > They had burst his dream apart. > > So, if you get an application, > Please, call on that man at once. > Invite him and his family, > To tour your hall and share some lunch. > > Answer all his questions, > Let him share your pride. > A Mason's work, is honest work; > That's not a secret to hide. > > And when it's time to present him, > With the gift of a degree, > Remember, genuine friendship is, > The true gift of masonry. > > Pick him up and take him home. > Isn't he worth the trip? > No candidate should come alone. > Please, don't ignore this tip. > > All should rush to greet him, > As he enters by your door. > Extend your hand in friendship, > That's what a Mason's grip is for. > > And remember your obligation, > As you lead him to the gate. > It's up to you to guide him through, > Not to hurt or humiliate. > > Now armed with proper instruction, > Masonry's door will open wide, > Thanks to you, his best example, > Of what a Mason should be inside. > > And thank him sincerely for coming. > Invite him back to his new home. > For a brother will not be a brother, > If he feels unwelcome and alone. >
