The Sheep at the Stack
Every movement needs a poet. If we could move Michigan’s Will Carleton (1845-1912) forward 100 years he would be the Occupy Movement’s poet laureate. Will Carleton made himself and Hillsdale famous when he wrote the poem “Over the Hill to the Poorhouse” about the dismal conditions at the county’s poorhouse. At one time Michigan law required that at least one poem be taught by the state’s teachers each year.
He also was the publisher of a literary magazine “Will Carleton’s Magazine” which was a national publication for the literary arts. In addition Carleton used the magazine to hawk his own books such as “Farm Ballads.”
As an example, the July 1907 edition included several poems by Carleton including the poem, “The Sheep at the Stack.” It also included articles on Walt Whitman, an article titled “Marriage and Selfishness” and a “Word About Your Liver.” It even included a gossip column and an article on how automobiles would be the next chariots of warfare.
The Magazine also was home to numerous advertisers selling Pears’ Soap, Condor Cures, Midget Cards and blood purifiers. Numerous resorts also advertised their amenities.
Will Carleton wrote the poem “The Sheep at the Stack for this edition.
Make ready, my laddies! It soon will
be night.
The clouds they are falling in pieces of
white;
The drifts they are creeping abroad in
the land,
And blanketing even the trees as they
stand
Asleep in the howl of the storm.
No grasses tonight will grow under your
feet-
The cattle are calling for something to
eat;
But do not forget it, while filling the
rack,
To grain and shelter the sheep at the
stack
In sheds that are cozy and warm.
They huddle together the whole o’ the
day,
And nibble a bit at the ends o’ the
hay;
But hardly consider that living is
sweet
Unless it be growing or flung at their
feet,
Or easily hung to the back.
Make ready, my laddies, and think as
you go,
They are not so worried because they
are so;
There’s lots in the world to forget and
forgive;
We’ve several neighbors, my laddies
that live
The same as the sheep at the stack.
