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 The works here represent those left to the family, both published and unpublished.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

Procession

He walked behind the village belle;
She gave him scarce a look,
But doggedly he followed her
Through every turn she took.

Their pathways parted all too soon;
The lovelorn little boy
Must turn in at the grammar school--
She went to junior high.

But time that topples things about
Will see her luster dim;
The teenage crown of destiny
Will pass from her to him.

Teenage is the vibrant age,
The golden link between
The promise on the title page
And the long unfolding scene.

(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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