Friendly Persuasion

Most mornings I awake to somebody twanging about lost love, or Red Solo Cups, or Tijuana Brass on the clock radio.  This morning was a soul-warming exception.  Instead I got Pat Boone crooning in his buttery voice these lyrics from my ALL-TIME FAVORITE movie, Friendly Persuasion, from the book by the same title:

Thee I love, more than the meadow so green and still
More than the mulberries on the hill
More than the buds on the May apple tree, I love thee
Arms have I, strong as the oak, for this occasion
Lips have I, to kiss thee, too, in friendly persuasion
Thee is mine, though I don't know many words of praise
Thee pleasures me in a hundred ways
Put on your bonnet, your cape, and your glove
And come with me, for thee I love
[Instrumental Interlude]
Friendly persuasion
Thee is mine, though I don't know many words of praise
Thee pleasures me in a hundred ways
Put on your bonnet, your cape, and your glove
And come with me, for thee I love.

This delightful movie chronicles the struggle a southern Indiana Quaker family experiences when Civil War skirmishes strike close to their farm.  The son, a non Psycho Anthony Perkins, wrestles with his conscience and his conscientious objection religion.  Promise me you'll get it and watch it.  Then sashay down to your library and get the book, written by Jessamyn West, a cousin of Richard Nixon and a Quaker herself.  Read ALL her books while you're at it!  Especially Cress Delehanty.  I think I could be a Quaker.  If I was looking for a religion...I like the peaceful premise which translates into such peaceful pronouns.  P.S.  Good friend Scott sang this at the little reception following our wedding.  That is a good memory.