Berton BraleyCreated by Todd Dent

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

BiographyBerton Braley: An Inspiration To Us All

“Let anyone say `Berton Braley,’ in the average crowd of regular Americans and its dollars to doughnuts that he’ll poll a larger number of hands than any of the well-known old masters” (Baker).

This quote from an Oregon newspaper shows the popularity and impact Berton Braley had on people during his time. Berton Braley was born in Madison, Wisconsin on January 29, 1882. His parents were Arthur and Alta. Arthur was a writer and wrote many reviews of Shakespeare. When Braley was seven years old, his father and his only sister died within nine months of each other. This tragic event changed the way he looked at things for the rest of his life. In 1905, Braley moved to Butte, Montana, and started working as a reporter for the town newspaper ("Biography"). While in Butte, he observed the miners working. This cultivated a respect of the working world and for human achievement. This experience was evident throughout his writings (Baker). In 1909 he decided to move to New York. He worked for Life magazine and the New York Evening Mail. This was when he began writing about life and people. In 1910, he quit his jobs and began working as a freelance writer. After some of his works became widely known, he was elected into the Players’ Club. For a short period of his life, he took many trips to foreign countries. After he married his wife, Elliot, Braley moved to London, and then back to New York. After many years of writing, he moved to Florida. At five o’clock a.m. on January 23, 1966, Braley died of cancer at the age of 83("Biography").

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Biography cont.When Braley was young, he admired his father very much.

Barley’s father first sparked his interest in writing. When Braley was just eleven years old, his first piece, a fairytale called Why the Grass Is Green, was published. When Braley turned sixteen, he dropped out of high school to start working. After two years, he quit his job and returned to school. In 1900, Braley sold his first poem to Judge Magazine for three dollars. After Braley graduated from high school, he began attending the University of Wisconsin. In his first year at college, he wrote “Sonnets of a Freshman.” After graduating from college, he published “The Oracle on Smoke.” In the following years, he continued to write while working numerous jobs. He started working solely as a writer in 1910 ("Biography"). He wrote an article called “Berton Braley’s Daily Poem” for Newspaper Enterprise Association (Baker). After some of his works became widely known, he was elected into the Players’ Club, a social club for people of high status. He continued to write poems and short stories until his death in 1966 ("Biography").

There are many distinct elements within Braley’s poetry. Although he viewed the world as mainly black and white, he was very inspirational and optimistic in his writing. He believed that anything was possible. He also thought that a person should do good deeds. In many of his poems, the good are praised and the evil are frowned upon (“The Poetry of Berton Braley”). Additionally, Berton had a pioneering spirit and applauded productiveness. He believed in the spirit of the individual. If someone wanted something done, they should do it themselves. Through hard work one can achieve their goals. Braley used many literary elements in his poems. For example, Braley incorporated rhyme and rhythm in his poetry. He also used alliteration, assonance, and refrains. Braley is notable because he expressed moral and values throughout his writing and motivated and inspired his readers. As Braley states in Start Where You Stand, “The future is for him who does and dares.”

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Collected Works

A Little FurtherA PrayerEssentialGiftsManMavericksPurely PersonalStart Where You StandSuccessThat's SuccessThe ClimbersThe Great AdventureThe PioneersThe PriceThe Scouting TrailThe ThinkerThe Will To WinWhy Not?

More poems by Berton Braley

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

“The Price” By Berton Braley

Whatever the freedom we ownSomebody has striven and tried for it;By war through the years it has grownBy strength of the men who have died for it;

Each stone in the structure of truth--Some one has made ready and right for it.Some one has spent heart's blood and youth,Some one has been willing to fight for it.

Not always has blood been the payBut always a price has been paid for it;The worth of achievement to-dayIs gauged by the struggle we've made for it.There need not be rancor or hateNor bitterness, terror and blight for it,But nothing is worthy or great,Unless you are willing to fight for it.

You cannot buy progress with gold(You get but the emptiest shell of it);But to win it and earn it and holdYou must go through the heat and the hell of it,You must suffer the sweat and the pain,You must toil all the day and the night for it,For nothing worth while you can gain Unless you are willing to fight for it.

Analysis of “The Price”

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Analysis of “The Price”In Berton Braley’s poem “The Price,” he uses many

literary devices and poetic elements to convey the message is trying to send. He uses a specific rhyme scheme, rhythm, and refrains throughout the poem. The poem is about what people have to do to get what they want and how people need the will to fight for what they feel is right. Braley wants the reader to know that someone has always paid a price for what they wanted and for what they felt was true, either verbally or physically. An example showing his rhyme, rhythm, and refrains is portrayed in the following lines. “Each stone in the structure of truth--/ Someone has made ready and right for it/ Some one has spent heart’s blood and youth/ Some one has been willing to fight for it.” Another examples of his poetic devices is shown in the next line. “You must suffer the sweat and the pain/ You must toil all the day and night for it/ For nothing worth while you can gain/ Unless you are willing to fight for it.” These examples show the rhyme scheme, rhythm, and refrains. It shows his rhyme scheme, because every line rhymes with the line two times before it. It also displays the rhythm in the poem. The first and third lines in each stanza are shorter than the second and last line. This creates a specific rhythm. It additionally shows refrains. A refrain is when a line or phrase is repeated many times. The phrase “some one” is used many times throughout the poem. Braley used these elements for a reason. These elements make it easier and more fun to read while helping send his message to the reader. Without the devices the poem would be very bland. “The Price” is an amazing poem that makes the reader realize how lucky we are to have what freedoms we have and also the motivation people need to get what they want.

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Sample Poems

Berton Braley’s “Purely Personal” is an eye opening poem. The main theme of the poem is that we are who we are. We need to accept others for who they are rather than rejecting them for what they are not. I chose this poem because it teaches us to be accepting of others and nonjudgmental. The following lines express another idea. I am as I am/ With the faults that beset me/ And which I should cure/ But my nature won’t let me/ And if you’re as you are/ As I am as I am/ You will get me. These lines teach us that by accepting others we will understand who they really are on the inside.

“Purely Personal”

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Purely PersonalBy Berton Braley

I am as I amWith the faults that beset me,And which I should cure,But my nature won't let me.And if you're as you areAs I am as I am,You will get me. I am as I am.Though I can rearrange meIn some minor details,I am helpless to change meFrom the basic Myself.And I've got what I've got`Cause I am what I am And I'm not what I'm not. I am as I amAnd I do as I doAs I am, being me,And not you, being you.Perhaps I would be And do better by far,If I weren't as I amAnd I were as you are, But I'm bound to be meAnd, without any sham,Make the best of whateverI am - as I am!

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Sample Poems

“Why Not?” is a very motivating poem. The main purpose behind this poem is to make us realize that, at some point, we are all going to pass away, but while we are living we need to make the most out of life and leave a positive legacy behind. I chose this poem because it teaches us that living a life of honor and integrity is important, so that when the day comes for us to meet the grave, we can say our life was well lived. The following lines explain that even though death is ugly, there is a life afterwards and our spirit lives on. Up out of the darkness we reach to the light/ And slowly through ages we toil to the height/ The soul of a mortal is more than his clay/ The spirit of man can defy all decay.

“Why Not?”

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Why Not?By Berton Braley

Why shouldn't the soul of a mortal be proud?Life goes, it is true, like a swift-flying cloudBut while it is going and ere he has diedA man may do many things worthy of pride The high and the humble, the meek and the brave,Are all of them destined in time for the grave,But while they are living and drawing their breathThey may create something that lives after death. The Builder may build and the singer may sing,The Painter may paint while his time's on the wing.And when they are buried deep down in the grimeThe things they have made will remain for all time. Man conquers the mountains, the seas and the air,And deserts turn gardens while under his care.He does wondrous deeds in the scant space allowed;Why shouldn't the soul of a mortal be proud? Up out of the darkness we reach to the lightAnd slowly through ages we toil to the height.The soul of a mortal is more than his clay;The spirit of man can defy all decay! So lift up your eyes to the Truth that is God's:In spite of disaster, in face of all odds,The spirit of Man is not wrapped in the shroud,Why shouldn't the soul of a mortal be proud?

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Inspired PoemsStart Where You Stand Start where you stand and never mind the past,The past won't help you in beginning new,If you have left it all behind at lastWhy, that's enough, you're done with it, you're through;This is another chapter in the book,This is another race that you have planned,Don't give the vanished days a backward look,Start where you stand. The world won't care about your old defeatsIf you can start anew and win success;The future is your time, and time is fleetAnd there is much of work and strain and stress;Forget the buried woes and dead despairs,Here is a brand-new trial right at hand,The future is for him who does and dares,Start where you stand. Old failures will not halt, old triumphs aid,To-day's the thing, to-morrow soon will be;Get in the fight and face it unafraid,And leave the past to ancient history,What has been, has been; yesterday is deadAnd by it you are neither blessed nor banned;Take courage, man, be brave and drive ahead,Start where you stand.

Inspired Poem

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Inspired Poems

Life LessonsBy Todd DentInspired by Start Where You Stand Star where you stand and never mind the pastThe future is your purpose, hold steadfastThe past is a burden, leave it behindLook to the future, focus your mind Blunders were made, lessons were learnedPrices were paid, knowledge as earnedDestiny is yours to have and to holdDon’t limit yourself, have vigor, be bold Tomorrow’s your vision, yesterday’s goneEach morning an awakening, venture onPlant your feet firmly, take the first leapOpportunities you encounter are yours to reap

“Start Where You Stand”

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Inspired PoemsThe Will to WinBy Berton Braley

If you want a thing bad enoughTo go out and fight for it,Work day and night for it,Give up your time and your peace and your sleep for it If only desire of itMakes you quite mad enoughNever to tire of it,Makes you hold all other things tawdry and cheap for it If life seems all empty and useless without itAnd all that you scheme and you dream is about it, If gladly you'll sweat for it,Fret for it,Plan for it,Lose all your terror of God or man for it, If you'll simply go after that thing that you want.With all your capacity,Strength and sagacity,Faith, hope and confidence, stern pertinacity, If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,Nor sickness nor painOf body or brainCan turn you away from the thing that you want,If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,You'll get it!

Inspired Poem

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Inspired Poems

I Want ItBy Todd DentInspired by The Will To Win I want it, I want it,There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for itSleepless nights, incessant fightsOh, the weary quest for it I want it, I want it,The endless pursuit of itChasing dreams, inventing schemesOh, the realm of possibilities for it I want it, I want it,With all my tenacity I’ll strive for itPersistent plots, determined thoughtsI’ll never tire of this journey to complete it

“The Will To Win”

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Original Poems

How?Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird What happened?Tom took advantage of me.What did you do?Hollered and screamed.Where were the children?No answer.How does your father treat you?He’s tollable ‘cept…Except when he’s drinking?Who’s the one that beat you?That negro yonder.What did he do?He cussed and called me dirt.He put his hands ‘round my neck and threw me to the ground.How?

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Original Poems

Tee Time The crisp, fresh air engulfs my lungsInvigorating my soul. The rising sun is beginning it’s ascend above the horizon. Its tangerine and flaxen hues stimulating my eyes. The freshly clipped grass scrunches under my toesAs the early morning dew sprinkles the tips of my shoes. The packed bag gently breathes its weight against my back Approaching the destination. The rigid weathered gloves slip onto my handsEncasing anticipating fingers. The cold sleeping club is gently grasped and awakenedFor the task at hand. TEE TIME!

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Bibliography

Biography:http://www.bertonbraley.com/biography.htmhttp://tinyurl.com/kjbn2xhttp://tinyurl.com/4x9qdoe

Pictures:Biography 1- http://www.bertonbraley.com/Biography 2- http://www.enotes.com/topic/Berton_BraleyThe Price- http://mssparky.com/category/a-soldiers-story/Tee Time- http://photomania.us/photo/1186166303/index.htmHow?- http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=114423Analysis of The Price- http://tinyurl.com/3zzl65j Purely Personal- http://tinyurl.com/3vm7k25Why Not?- http://tinyurl.com/3tdq5kqLife Lessons- http://tinyurl.com/3rurpesStart Where You Stand- http://tinyurl.com/3etf9osThe Will to Win- http://www.sweatyguineapig.com/?p=1059I Want It- http://www.orgsites.com/az/saflagstaff/

Biography

Collected Works

Sample Poems

Inspired Poems

Original Poems

Bibliography

Biography 2