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 The works here represent those left to the family, both published and unpublished.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.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Mother

Her gentle presence filled a home
With comfort and delight
That radiated from her soul
Like soft celestial light.
It fell round us like a glow
Of sunshine from above
And filled our hearts with solace
From a sweet transcendent love.

Her magic kiss dispelled the cares
That crowded thick and fast;
Lo, ere we knew it, unawares,
Our sorrows all had passed.
A work, a touch, the deed was wrought,
She healed a bleeding heart;
The saddening things were all forgot,
So wondrous was her art.

She realized her noblest call
In toiling for her own;
Within that hallowed home,
She moved about; her gentle voice
Like music's softest strain
Went out to make a world rejoice,
An infinite refrain.

Ah, greater love hath none than this --
For every life she gave,
Her own she put upon the rack,
Serenely faced the grave.
Her cup of sorrow oft ran o'er;
The days filled up with cares;
She lived to bless the lives she bore,
With love and tears and prayers.

(Copyright, 1940)
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