The Meaning Of The Word "Brother"

Have you ever given much thought
About the word "Brother"?
Have you ever truly sought
To understand it’s meaning, other
Than to use it as a general greeting
When attending your Lodge meeting?

When you take a fellow Mason’s hand,
Do you really understand
The richness, the affection
With which the inflection
Of the word should be spoken?
Or do you use it as just a token?

When you say the precious word, “Brother”,
You’re expressing a feeling that no other
word could possibly convey among men.
A feeling that is beyond the ken
Of non-Masons who know not the fealty
Of our unique Fraternity.

So, when you greet a Brother, anywhere,
Let him know you really care.
Let the warmth of the greeting flow
Through your hand so he will know,
That the greeting is truly none other
Than straight from the heart of his Brother.

William C. Armstrong

Brother Bill writes "I am Bill Armstrong, PM of Acalanes Fellowship 480 F&AM in Lafayette, CA and PM of Ophir Bear Mountain 33, F&AM, Murphys, CA. At the suggestion of Brother Greg Rapp, I am sending you a poem I wrote a few months ago. I hope you find it worthy of including with the other Masonic poems. With brotherly love, Bill"