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 The works here represent those left to the family, both published and unpublished.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, November 9, 2014

Behold Us Now!

Behold us now, Omar, across the waste
Of your decline.  No more the savory taste
Of crusted bread, no more the purling grape
That bade you mock the vanities of haste.

The hourglass you turned to savor time
Or mark the flow of sands in measured rhyme
Is pushed aside by the impertinence
And urgency of clocks that clang and chime.

Your golden dream is mouldering in the past,
The world is moving furiously and fast.
Time only now for one long sighing breath
Before we plunge into the awesome vast.

(First published in Along the Lane: Dedicated to the memory of Thomas William Larsen, who lost his life in World War II)
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