Louis Larsen worked as an English instructor for the majority of his adult life. In that time, he produced many works in both novels and poetry. Louis also worked as a ghost writer for many others, as well as newspapers throughout Utah. The works here represent those left to the family, both published and unpublished. Much of his work reflects a haunting feeling of loss, pain and betrayal. This comes from the loss of his son, Thomas Larsen, in World War II. Tom served with the 85th Mountain Infantry of the 10th Mountain Division, where he served with distinguished honor, and paid the ultimate price for his commitment. Tom lost his life on Riva Ridge, Mount Belvedere in February, 1945. This loss haunted Louis for the remainder of his life. Many of his poems reflect this pain and leave a legacy of the emotional priced paid in the wake of war.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Grist

Whoa, whoa, startled team!
The big wheel churning deep within
The roaring mill that rocks the beam
Is more of song than din.

Rein them to the chute, young man;
Spill the golden grain
Into the maw of the sifting pan.
Be more of man than swain.

You come with grist, as the miller knows.
Look away from flume and strem
Where bird song is and lichen grows
In less of earth than dream.

The girl will wait in the bowered door
To wave you as you pass,
Lumbering to the threshing floor.
She's less of maid than lass.

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