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 The works here represent those left to the family, both published and unpublished.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

Drum Beat

I waken at the break of dawn
To look askance at day and yawn
As imps arise with taunting mien
To wave the tatters of my dream.

The opulence that night bestowed
Has vanished down the grubby road
That I must travel in a jeep,
A toiler's rendezvous to keep.

I snap my boots and contemplate
The penalty of coming late
And gulp some coffee from a cup
Too black and cold to pick me up.

The day is thundering with noise;
Gone the dream, the pantom joys.
Enchantment flees but never comes
To the morning beat of drums.

(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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