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Doctor
James Still
(born April 9, 1812)
A legend in his time was Doctor James Still,
born in a woods cabin, in Indian Mills.
His parents had been slaves, who still lived in fear
the man who once owned them might someday appear.
So, they raised a log cabin deep down in the wood
and raised up their younguns the best that they could.
They worked hard and long to provide daily bread
and counted their blessings on days they were fed.
By all signs, their sons would grow up as farmhands,
walking life's rugged road; poorest poor of the land.
But one little fellow, called James, had a dream,
and this legend recounts a determined child's scheme.
It started when good Doctor Fort had come down
from Medford, to give vaccinations in town.
It's doubtful Fort noticed the wide-eyed black lad,
ever knew he inspired the ambition James had.
For, that was the day James Still chose his career,
a vision he lived with for many a year.
Young James learned from Indians of plants that healed;
wild herbs, roots, and leaves they could pick in the field.
He shared in their knowledge, recording the facts
on how to make tonics, balms, salves and extracts.
As he grew, he split rails and drove mules morn' to night,
and studied for hours on end, by firelight.
From discarded textbooks, yellowed with age,
he took in the knowledge from page after page.
Learning by heart all the Latin drug terms,
bacteria groups, and infections, and germs.
At his father's strict hand, he'd learned honor and truth.
Now he thirsted for schooling, while still in his youth.
With little except faith and a yearning so strong,
he'd find work in the city to help him along.
He set off for college to get his degree;
no effort was too great to be an M.D.
But, he met prejudice even he couldn't endure;
he had two handicaps - he was black, he was poor.
He sang, when professors discouraged his goal,
a determined sad song that was borne of the soul.
But life in the city soon trampled his pride,
so he returned home; there was no place to hide.
He brought no diploma to frame for his wall,
just a taste in his gullet, as bitter as gall.
But, he didn't let it show; he held his head high,
inspiring his neighbors to give him a 'try.'
"We've got us a doctor," the word spread aroun',
and soon patients found him, from neighboring towns.
Fathers and mothers brought children who ailed.
Dr. Still's methods helped them where others had failed.
Was he a real doctor? There wasn't a doubt!
No patient lived too far for him to ride out.
No hour was too late; he sacrificed sleep,
for errands of mercy and vigils to keep.
Pure dedication carried him thru'-
from a boy who'd owned nought, he was now well-to-do.
As time passed, he wrote his life story to show,
so even impoverished young people would know
how visions, if nourished, will not fade away.
Be patient, believe, and your efforts will pay.
Wasn't he, himself, raised in a fam'ly so poor
the proverbial wolf beat a path to their door?
But he rolled with the punches; it helped make him tough,
and never gave up, when the going was rough.
Inspiration he gave - and a lot of good will.
Beloved in the Pinelands was Doctor James Still.
- Lillian Arnold Lopez "Pineylore"
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If you would like to know more
about Dr. Still, click here to
read
a short biography written by Lilli's daughter, Anita.
