Thursday, February 29, 2024 Ode to Art

We went to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum recently and I took lots of photos, so many photos. Most of them were of the flowers and such, but my favorite shot by far was the one I took of my father-in-law, Art. I felt inspired to write a poem for him to go with it, so here they both are.

In nineteen hundred and twenty-eight
Amid the Great Depression
A boy was born on a January date
And made a Great Impression.

Ole was his father’s name,
Clara was his mother.
Seven sisters he could claim,
But he only had one brother

He did odd jobs at an early age
Weeding celery, carrying papers,
At the railroad later he earned his wage
Doing gandy dancing capers.

At Bridgeman’s, dishes he was bussing,
At the Orpheum Theater, he ushed.
He did some boxing (without any cussing)
And in general, he never rushed.

After high school, in the Navy he served
Then went to broadcasting school
Next on his list, Marine Corps Reserve,
Where he was nobody’s fool.

First came love, then came marriage
When to Armie, he proposed.
Four children took turns in that baby carriage
And for photos they all posed.

He DJ’d at a radio station
And served on the Centennial Commission
The GOP was another occupation,
He even sold Hondas on commission.

The kids grew up, left home, got married –
And “Grandpa” was soon his new role
Ten more babies he held and carried
And their laughter filled up his soul.

He retired from Honda, but went on working
For the Vikings and the Twins
Like always, he did his job well, never shirking,
Watching many losses and wins.

There were joys and there were sorrows;
His wife and son passed away.
But looking forward to better tomorrows
He quietly went on his way.

At ninety-six, he’s still much adored
For his kind and generous heart
And as a family, we all thank the Lord
For this wonderful man named Art.

So this one’s for you, Art! Love you!

In the morning, I’m not deleting.