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 The works here represent those left to the family, both published and unpublished.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

Back Pay

Some fellows earn just what they get
And get just what they earn;
At extra tasks they fume and fret
And fret and fume and squirm.

And I know other chaps who go
Quite cheerfully beyond
The dead-line of the day, although
It isn't in the bond.

These are not niggared of their might
Nor chary of their strength;
They glimpse the better things in sight,
Dead sure they'll win at length.

Their days don't drag, nor duties pall;
They're reg'lar working hounds;
They whistle while they hit the ball
And knock it out of bounds.

They'll be rewarded one fine day
For all their keen devotion,
With dividends on all back pay --
They'll take it in promotion.

(Copyright, 1940)
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)