Carter+Harris+Poems

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[| carter harris.jpg] By: Jenna Floyd
 * The Life and Times of Carter Harris**

Born in 1856 in Red Bank, Mississippi, Lived a man of different heritages Who lived and worked a difficult life, But education, he did receive.

Carter Harris witnessed the change of time, From the horror of the Civil War, To the Great Depression, and the New Deal.

Many jobs he did obtain throughout his long life: A grocer, A painter, A carpenter, And finally, a custodian at ISNU.

The campus was unkempt And in need of tender care. Fortunately, Carter Harris came just in time To help the six hundred students who attended the ISNU.

Carter rallied the teams, Cheering for the players: Kahnee, Kanoo, Kazee, Kazoo! Go ISNU! He supported the sports teams And had a great relationship with the students, as well.

But Harris had another love in his life, His sweetheart of twenty years, Ida. Sadly, she died in 1910 And Harris was left to retire alone.

But whilst the years continued onward To assist the students he left; A Carter Harris Award, A student loan fund, And a memory that they would never forget, Even after life had passed him by. [| carter harris2.jpg]

Lauren Claire Brooks Walker-AP Lang Evergreen Poem 4 October 2007 __Carter Harris: On the Banks of Opportunity__ Born on the red banks of Mississippi in 1865 I had an unusual opportunity, To receive something that a slave could not have: An education. Missouri, Tennessee and Washington D.C. I was given the opportunity of a lifetime To work with President Garfield. I turned down that offer. I took the position of a custodian. Known as a father to many, I never turned my head The opportunity to mentor was top priority. I donated the Most Valuable Player award To give some the opportunity of a lifetime. If any student was in a financial rut, I was more than willingly to help them The game of chess taught me that even the smallest piece, the pawn, can become the most important piece, the king. When Ida died it was like apart of me died. I spent the rest of my time playing chess with friends. The opportunity to live and grow had left me. When I died, I left scholarship money to fulfill a few people’s dream: The opportunity to receive a higher education.

By Sheena Bhayana** I am neither black nor white; but as gray as the smoke emitting from the soldier's canon. They say this war is a fight between right and wrong; But all I see is black versus white. Can colors be right or wrong?
 * __Carter Harris__

On a crisp, cool morning Of the 15th day of April in 1856, I entered this frayed plantation Right in my own Mississippian backyard, A secession in my own family had occurred.

My mother was born into handcuffs While my father held the key. The line is too blurry To see what side I am on.

I will overcome this gray. And instead be the color I want to be.

__Carter Harris__ By: Rachel Solava The son of a slave and her master, Carter Harris’ path seemed set in stone After leaving the red banks of Mississippi, he explored the Midwest Carter was blessed with an education and held a plethora of jobs Postmaster, revenue collector, tobacco tester, Carpenter, painter, paper hanger, church lecturer Always appreciating a regular paycheck Finally, at ISNU Carter settled Offered a position as a janitor on campus His love and admiration for the school continued to grow He fostered relationships with all the students And soon became a mentor, friend, and father figure Carter attended every sporting event and cheered on his athletes A most valuable player trophy he donated, and was named in his honor From his humble beginnings to a life at ISNU, Harris found himself a safe haven and a loving family.