It’s ‘time to wake up and die right’

To the editor:
    This was the inspirational admonition of a potato farmer father to his son and friend Eugene — only a few years ago.
    Late in the morning of a hot summer day, a “perfect” day, so Dad thought, for cutting thistles. This would prevent them from producing seed for many more thistles that in turn would consume the potatoes’ fertilizer and appear unsightly as well.
    In the cool of the night before, Eugene and I had enjoyed other adventures. All work without play, could be “ho  hum.”
    As we approached the far eastern end of the field, where giant trees offered hospitality from the sun, it was suggested we take “a five” (five minutes rest). Time flies! And we didn’t feel rested. The more mature of the threesome incited that “some people are born tired! It’s time to wake up and die right!”
    The approaching season to vote is now offering us good or otherwise fatherly persuasion that, “It’s time to wake up and die right!”
    Non-commitment only needs enlightenment to reach the summit.
Phil Henderson
Houlton