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 The works here represent those left to the family, both published and unpublished.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

Summer Day

Sleepy summer day. . .
White malingering clouds
Imprinted on a hill
Where shadows cling,
Gulls circling a ledge of sky,
Too indolent to flap a wing.
The whisper of a stream,
The cattle in the shade,
Ruminating on a spot
Too far away to reach, 
The nooning sun too hot.
No stir the leaf,
No pulsing sound,
No distant call. . .
And you might dream the afternoon
Were there no hay to haul.

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