This poem is among my grandfather's letters. I must have been written at some point prior to my mother's re-marriage in 1947 and our (my brother and I) adoption in 1949.
The Shriners
In speaking of the Shriners
There’s only one thing you should note
That’s it’s the law for them to make
Each fellow ride a goat
Not a puny little fellow
That can scarcely jump a ditch
But a great big strong Sir William
That can bleat and duck and pitch
Upon the beast the saddle
Is placed and firmly tied
While the candidate astraddle
Begins his famous ride
Round and round the circuitous lodge room
With lightening speed he flies
While the candidate is screaming
“Say, how is this for high?”
The goat tries hard to throw him
But the rider holds on fast
And though the road is rocky
He stays there till the last
And when the ride is over
You’re apt to hear him sing
I’m very much disfigured
But still I’m in the ring
And while the goat is taken
And placed back in its stall
The candidate is told to take a seat
In a row along the wall
And as he sadly whispers
“I guess I’d rather stand”
He listens to a lecture
From the Potentate Man
Now I have given you a secret
Which you must safely keep
For the sake of my dear Pal*
Who talks while in his sleep
For that’s the way I got it
I heard this very plain
And I’ll have more to tell you
When he sleeps and talks again.
By William Joe Manley
Arranged by his Pal, Will Ellis Miller
* My Pal was a 33rd Degree Mason - my father was not a Shriner. On the yellow carbon "second", "Pal" is struck out, and "Father" penciled in.
Goat riding is one of those superstition that permeates most every corner of fraternal initiation. Not exclusively a Masonic institution, goat riding or making candidates "ride the goat" has been an aspect of hazing fueled initiation meant to scare and embarrass neophytes and initiates joining the institution. Yet, the practice seems to have a more succinct history involving ancient pagan practice and ritual:
Did my Pal ride the goat? I have no idea - but this poem has taken its place within the family lore.
, Certified Curmudgeon
“A self-made man has to be so devilishly careful not to expose the unfinished parts."--Will Ellis Miller
