A Collection of Poems
This is a collection of poems written by Olga Thompson and a few others she enjoyed over the years. Olga wrote quite a few poems while she was teaching various rural schools; but many of these poems have been lost over the years. Olga called herself an occasional writer; she was often inspired to write a poem now and then or for some special occasion.
Olga was grateful to her granddaughter Katie and son Steve for putting these
poems together for her. Also included are some of Olga's favorites by other
noted authors.
Olga
Myrtle Elvira Rislov Thompson - OMERT (1995)
(May 18, 1913 - June 1, 2004)
|
Dolly's clothes are much too big. There's Dolly's coat of pretty pink. First comes Dolly's white dress, |
Oh, Goodness! Where's my dolly?
"Dolly, oh you're so funny |
I
loved dolls as a little girl, and have a weakness for dolls yet. They
"inspired" me to write the above poem in 1925.
Way Back When
The shanty top of the old house was still there and it didn't take long
to look it over. It had only one room. Then we went to a shady spot under a tree for our Sunday picnic.
Soon we noticed the threatening clouds in the sky, so we packed up
our picnic supplies, we put them in the car and piled in, to hurry
home. About halfway home the wind decided to take the canvas
top off our car. We made it home - but we were rather wind blown.
I went to school in the town of Sherman at the time and the pupils would often make fun of Dad driving our Model T car in town, without its canvas top. One day Dad shot a large wolf. He put it across the back seat and brought it into town for his friends to see. This was at noon time. The students piled all over the car with the wolf Dad had shot. I sat upstairs in the school looking out the window with pride at my Dad. Thus I was inspired to write the following poem "The Good Old Car" in 1927.
The car, though it be new or old,
Thro' snow and mud
So now you see
What a wonderful thing
The smoke in the sky
There's a warmth that prevails
Verse 1:
Chorus:
Verse 2:
Verse 3: Written in 1942 and presented in the Vukku and Fergus Falls, MN churches. Can be sung to the tune of "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning."
For ninety years you've marched onward,
You've reared, with much love, nine children;
You always thought, too, of others;
Yes, ninety years is a long time
May our lives follow just such a pattern
Yes, today on your birthday we render
There are things we take for granted
Who has taught us to look forward?
Thank you. Lord, for Christian parents,
Those memories other are so pleasing,
Her "fairness" and order were noted.
She could carry the burdens of many,
Dear Lord, please comfort her family.
Ramona was one of my pupils at the Popham School northwest of Watertown, SD. I wrote this poem and put in the sympathy card for her family after her sudden death.
Ma fussed for this program,
She washed my ears roughly
My pants she pressed neatly;
Now why did she do this?
I wrote this poem for one of my first grade boy's to recite at a program for a rural school (Valley View) in 1967.
And then there was Christmas,
A tree made of branches
And then there was Christmas;
But out to the plum trees
We did string some popcorn,
And then there was Christmas
She looked out the window,
So out went my mother
And then there was Christmas,
But, oh, how I treasure
Yes, it's time for Christmas baking;
Then we have to send our greetings,
Then it's here; the kids are busy;
Oh, what joy this season brings us
Then we think of our dear Savior,
Oh, dear Savior - be thou with us;
Can be sung to: "There's a Rainbow Shining Somewhere".
The Christmas bells are ringing,
The tree has been selected
The children think of presents,
Mom labors in the kitchen
Then gifts are wrapped and labeled,
No, they have not forgotten
They thank God for all "his" goodness
Tis Christmas, Tis Christmas
Hearts have been made happy;
But Mom - she is busy
Then Dad brings in a letter
And say -"Dear parents, don't worry";
They'll have turkey and dressing,
Thanks to these wonderful people
And while at your table
We're met in the face of battle,
We'll struggle for our native land.
Let's go to our Lord for protection,
Chorus:
This song was written for a farewell party for the young men serving our country and leaving the "Vukku" community near Foxhome, MN in the year of 1942. The song was sung to the tune of: "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean".
I forgot to tell you dearie,
Oh I'll be a darling hubby
I'll cherish you forever
And the bride, she gives her answers;
I'll feed the cows, pigs, and chickens,
Now Hubby, as to me milking,
And thus goes the long discussion
This was written for a shower we had for a young couple that was moving to a farm (1950).
"Dear little butterfly"
Your flit and flutter 'round about,
I would like to have you for a friend;
Our baby's name is Steven,
Presented for a rural school program in 1967.
Hello dear friends
I know what you're thinking
These are colors with meaning;
The stripes are for the colonies,
I like to display them,
A boy recited this poem at a rural school program in 1967. He dressed like "Uncle Sam" and even had a mustache. This was also given at a program in the city auditorium in Watertown, SD.
We are the gang from Valley View;
Valley View was a rural school northwest of Watertown, SD where I taught for several years in the 1960's. I wrote music for this song and used it in our school program in 1967.
Could find me no paper,
Then pondered a moment
Twas the newspaper that whispered,
Have funnies and items,
And what is the difference,
This poem was written and glued on a package covered with newspapers for many bridal showers. This wrapping goes over more so' than fancy papers and the many bows.
I'll miss hearing "GU Moren" in the mornings,
The jokes that brought out the laughter,
And then to add to our pleasures,
Twas a joy to be one big family,
This was a poem that Olga wrote for the tour guide on the last day of her tour of the Scandinavian countries. This was read during a final dinner in Copenhagen, Denmark (September 1981).
The days have quickly moved onward,
You've been ready to lend to your children
Now grandchildren too, are gathered 'round you.
Forty years you have been together,
God bless you as move on this journey.
Seventy is not so bad
Seventy 'tis not that bad,
Seventy is not too bad
Thank the Lord for this your day
Eighty years are not too bad,
If eighty makes the world seem "blah,"
And eighty, yes, and cooks and cleans
When eighty you can now recall
Enjoy the food and cake.
There are things that can add to the future.
Do enlighten what ever your doing.
Yes, ready yourself for tomorrow;
Now, don't just put your life in a nutshell;
Do also remember your kinfolks;
What a joy to be one big happy family.
The time is here -
Aha, the ideas are many.
Yes, I know I'm not sure.
Now I am moving ahead,
While playing in a farmyard,
Soon the drops of water splashing,
Yes, the blue, green, red, and yellow
And we stood right in the spot
So I can still enjoy the rainbow
I sat beside my window
The family by the fire,
The flowers in the meadow
Then shadows soon did linger,
And oh, how grand are the memories;
Here I sit -
I could ponder for a minute,
Fun to see things in the closet
Now - it won't be such a struggle,
So now, Olga, go and do it;
The weather was pleasing,
Now, there was a discussion
Don't know how it happened,
The gear was all readied.
The ride- a bit bumpy.
The fish - they are biting.
Yes, the bass - they were little;
So home we'll meander
And as for grandma -
This poem was written by Olga on a fishing trip to a local pond with Steve's family when we were living in Murdo, SD.
The time - it is here
We've enjoyed it here,
So, it is not a "good-bye,"
So now on our way,
This is a special poem that Olga wrote for Steve and his family when they moved from Murdo to Pierre (December, 1993).
Thanks to my boys, my "sis", and their families
The party 'twas a celebration,
O'er over many hills has roared;
If we go riding and get "stalled,"
The folks say, "We should of had a Ford." .
That kind will plug,
While other cars stand still,
And on the list, the Ford first,
Twill climb the steepest hill.
Why the busy bee,
We'll never more be bored.
Though the sun may shine,
Or the clouds be sublime,
Tis three cheers for the good old Ford.
Is the season called Spring,
Though work seems to be in a heap.
The warmer Spring air
Makes the green grass appear,
And tulips no longer do sleep.
From the bonfires nearby,
Has a fragrance of which we're aware;
And the birds in the trees
Sing their songs in the breeze;
Children's jackets are thrown here and there.
In all hearts - without fail,
When the sun melts the snow in the drift.
What a wonderful thing
Is the season called Spring.
Thank you, God, for another great gift.
What a friend we have in Mother,
All along the toilsome way.
She has guided us through peril
And has been our constant stay.
Oh, dear Lord, protect our mothers;
Bless them all along their way;
With Thy grace, oh Heavenly Father
May we all that love repay.
Many times for us she suffered,
And she'd always understand
When our little hearts were troubled,
She would give us her dear hand.
No one loves us more than Mother;
No one else could be more true.
So in turn - let's pray for Mother,
As she's always prayed for you.
This poem was written for Mom's (Lydia Rislov's) ninetieth birthday.
From childhood to now - still in bloom.
You've filled many hearts full of pleasure,
And today - in your heart - there is room.
Given love and devotion to all.
We know that your prayers have been many,
That none from the Father should fall.
A kind word or deed you would give.
To brighten the road for a brother,
Is a creed - in which you always did live.
To recall the events in your life;
You've had so much to relate to us,
Involving sorrow, joy, and strife.
Which you've set in these ninety years;
That means also to trust in the Savior
Who will cast away all of our fears.
Congratulations and best wishes, too.
And may all the love you have given,
Today be returned unto you.
As we journey on lifes way.
There are things that have been planted
Throughout each eventful day.
Some are sad and some are glorious,
Some are bad and some we feign.
We've been taught - to be victorious,
We have goals we must attain.
Who has cared along the way?
Who has shown much love and patience
As we worked and as we played?
Who has taught us of the Savior
And his death upon the cross?
Who has cared which path we've taken,
Praying always for our cause?
For their ever loving care;
And their patience so untiring
As we stumble here and there.
Bless, oh Lord, these our dear parents;
Help us with thy grace divine,
Always show our love and fervor
Being gracious, good, and kind.
A girl so sincere in all ways.
She toiled; oh so hard at her lessons,
And the work at home after school days.
She was respected by all on the playground.
She was willing and so abiding,
No finer student could ever be found.
In work she was steady and apt.
She was faithful and "just" to her family,
For their cause she was wholly rapt.
Give them strength in the days that will come.
May the memories other love and fervor
Lift the sorrow and loss in this home.
And that was "just me."
Said -1 must look my bestest
and do so wondrously.
Then said, "Into the tub."
She soaped each little comer,
And how she did scrub.
My shoes how they shown.
She stiffened my collar
So it ate to the bone.
I can't plainly see.
I can tell you at this time
You're not looking at me.
The gifts, they were smalt;
A rag doll and stockings,
For brother - a ball.
From Grandpa's big firs.
How Mother would fix it,
So 'twas as pretty as yours.
The years had gone by.
No longer at Grandpa's
And no firs were nigh.
My mom - she did go,
And came in with branches,
Some covered with snow.
And twist papers of green;
Then put on some candles
To add to the scene.
After a summer so dry;
But mom - she was musing,
And days seemed to fly.
And to her surprise,
A tumbleweed rolled in,
And a sparkle in her eyes.
And gathered the weed,
And with glitter and tinsel,
We had our tree, indeed!
We went to the shop
And bought a green fir tree
And put an angel on top.
The trees - that of yore,
Have brought as much pleasure
As these trees from the store.
Time to trim the Christmas tree.
Time to buy the Christmas presents,
Then to wrap them prettily.
Some with letters, far away;
Invitations to the dinner
Which we plan for Christmas Day.
Little hearts are filled with glee.
They can hardly eat their dinner,
Because of gifts beneath the tree.
As we hear from far and near;
And the family is together
For this festive time of the year.
And his birth so long ago.
Yes, that's why we are so happy
And our hearts are so aglow.
May our hearts be bright and gay,
Taking time for meditation
At this time, on your birthday.
The music is loud and clear.
That Christmas day is coming
As it does, yes, every year.
And trimmed by everyone.
The stockings on the mantel,
Eh, now is the work all done?
Of Santa and his deer,
Of candy canes and cookies,
Thus they know the time is near.
With fatigmon and rolls,
While Dad tends to the popcorn
And fills up all the bowls.
And placed beneath the tree;
And soon all will there gather,
How happy they will be.
Why we celebrate this day.
Yes, 'tis the birth date of our Savior,
And they do take time to pray.
That "he" cares for them to stay
Within his Christian family.
Don't forget "him" on this day.
For you and for me, and
Some friends and some family
Around the big Christmas tree.
There is laughter with joy,
And the children are waiting
For that much wanted toy.
Preparing the food
For the big Christmas dinner,
And all must be good.
From Dan and from Fred.
They're wishing they were there,
But have to work hard instead.
We're not out on the "lurch".
We've been invited to a dinner
m the Grace Lutheran Church.
Potatoes, salads, and such;
And our choice of a pie.
We are thankful for much.
Who 'give' for other this day
For those without family,
Or with family away.
And ready for prayer,
Do thank God for His "goodness,"
And those people who care.
(1992)
Our freedom and peace are at stake;
With the gallant young men in our forces
The foes will soon have to break.
So come let us be optimistic,
And join with the line hand in hand.
And pray for our men in this strife;
Also that the conflict will be ended,
And restore us to our normal life.
Victory, victory, that's what old glory
Stands for, stands for;
Victory, victory, is soon to be at our door.
Twas not in the marriage vows,
But 'tis always by grooms - expected
When they take for them a frau.
When the house is nice and clean,
And the meals are always ready
When I come upon the scene.
If you'll always milk the cows,
And you'll feed the pigs and the chickens;
This should be in the marriage vows.
Says she to her hubby sweet;
Now it's my turn to consider
The vows you said that I should meet
If the beds you always make.
I'll tidy up our castle,
But you'll bake the bread and cake.
My share of that I'll do;
But you'll have to do the washing
And the ironing each week, too.
On things for which the vows should stand.v
Will they find a lot of pleasure
In this union now at hand?
The pansy seemed to say.
You with your pretty wings
Bring happiness my way.
And then you pause a bit.
You seem so sure of what you want
Before you decide to sit.
I like it when you are near.
Your beauty radiates all ways;
You bring a lot of cheer.
I got my "brand" new dress in town.
And this is my sister, Lauri;
She has eyes that are so brown.
And our big boys name is Todd.
Now that you know may family,
I will smile for you and nod.
Of this great land of ours.
Don't look so coyly
At the stripes and stars.
Why this attire?
Well, I'm a part of this country,
For it I am afire.
The red, white, and blue,
The people who chose them
Were people like you.
The stars for the states.
And this nice little goatee,
For the passing of the dates.
Cause I'm happy to be
A citizen of this country.
"It's America for me."
We are happy to see you.
We'll try to do our very best;
It's up to you, we'll leave the rest.
We like to see you with a smile;
It will lift our burdens for a while,
So come along and sing our song,
We are the gang from Valley View.
We are so glad for friends like you.
We'll muster up a great big smile.
We realize it is worth while.
We'll cast our burdens out the door,
And be prepared to meet some more.
We'll see it through
'Twill not be new,
For we're the gang from Valley View.
Could find me no thread.
Looked up in the attic
And under the bed.
On "What shall I do
To wrap this small gift
For the bride. (I mean you)."
"I'm right on the rack,
I'd make a good wrapper,
There's nothing I lack.
And interests for all.
Packing for dishes and glasses,
And other things you will haul.
It won't mean your doom.
For the bride - the paper means nothing,
She just thinks of the groom.
The history session and Troll stories, too;
The mountains, fjords, and the valleys,
And the scenes that to us were so new.
The trees - in abundance we saw,
The cities that had interests a plenty,
And the dinners that were "meget bra."
The experiences which we had in Flaam
Were lightened by laughter while playing
Charades; that was harder for some.
With you as our guide every day.
Thanks for your patience and caring,
And "Good Luck" as you move on your way.
Yes, with treasures and sorrow too.
You've continued along together;
You've continued to be true.
Your hands, if there be a need.
I'm sure they'll never relinquish
The love that was given, indeed.
Oh, they have so much to relate,
Filled with joy while with Grandma and Grandpa.
And especially on this festive date.
And leaning toward another ten;
When the "golden bells" will be ringing
And we can celebrate with you again.
May more memories abound on the way,
And I pray that you are as happy
As you are on this memorable day.
When busy you can be;
Can see the sun or clouds each day,
And hear birds singing in the tree.
When children you yet teach,
And do all things around the house-
When seventy you reach.
When you can raise your voice in song;
And lead the choir in the church,
Yet to other groups belong.
And all the blessings of the past,
May they continue on your way.
When "young and chic" that's you-
And hear some other folks nearby
Say, "I think that is not true."
It is no time to cry-
Ifyou can walk a mile or two,
Just tell them, they should try.
And dusts and washes clothes;
Why that's a job for middle-aged.
"A lass"- you deserve a rose.
The many things you've done.
I'm sure they'll stop and listen,
And say, "You must have had some fun."
Be thankful for the way you are,
Without a pain or ache.
There are things that can brighten our day.
There are ways to enlighten another-
Be it work, kind words, or just play.
Lift the burdens that come rolling along.
Wear a smile in the midst of your problems,
Twill make your perseverance strong.
Be it resting, work, or at play.
You'll find the joy of the future
We'll just come flowing your way.
Break the shell and reveal your joys.
'Twill enlighten the day for another
Like a child with other new toys.
Family gatherings are usually a fete.
Yes, to see all the family together,
And all the "new" ones you'll meet.
What a joy to meet members anew;
And I do hope that your tomorrows
Will add to your memories, too.
What can I accomplish?
The initiative is low.
I'll pause for a minute.
And maybe ideas will come forth.
Could some be deceptions?
I'll ponder on each one
To see if one looms ahead.
Now, does this one really suit me?
Or will others come yonder?
Yes, I am all in a dither.
Yes, the times passing by
And my accomplishments nil.
I've ignored turning to prayer
And asking for help from my Savior.
The "stars" they are bright.
Am accomplishing more than I planned.
Things are moving on quickly;
I turned in the right direction,
And the help I had needed was there.
All our hearts were filled with glee.
Laughter and the 'like' abounded,
And a few clouds, we did see.
While dropping on corn leaves near by;
Called our attention to the colors
That were now across the sky.
Were as bright as they could be.
And the end - it was before us,
Right beside an old plum tree.
How we scattered to the plum tree,
Where the colors were in circles;
But we found no gold or pot.
As it spans across the sky;
But I know there is no merit
When I find the end nearby.
While musing of the past:
The snowflakes - each a picture;
Oh, if they'd only last.
The children romping 'round,
The sounds of songs and laughter
Did over all abound.
Did oftentimes bring cheer;
The geese a northward flying,
Told us that spring was here.
The pictures seemed to fade;
The sounds ,too, did diminish;
The geese - their trip was made.
They "lift" my life anew,
For they - to me - are treasures
I'll carry all life through.
The chair is "comfy"
Wondering what I should do next,
Should I continue in my closet,
Or should I get my curtains fixed?
Then I will get nothing done.
If I get up and attack "it,"
Maybe I could make it fun.
Neat and organized once more;
And have curtains on the window
And a welcome on the door.
Just to move and get things done.
Make your mind up to attack it,
And you'll find it can be fun.
Prove things now; just as you've said.
Then you can go to the meeting,
And relax when you go to bed.
The mowing was done.
These "young ones" were restless,
Thought they were ready for fun.
On what can we do
That will give us some pleasure?
For they all felt so blue.
But to their delight,
Someone suggested fishing
Before the dark of the night.
The lunch, it was made.
In the pick-up we gathered;
We would not be delayed.
At the dam we'll soon be.
Here we are, lines are cast out
And some fish we may see.
The sun's going down.
We do have some fish
We'll be taking to town.
And a bluegill did suffice,
But what joy for these "young ones,"
In spite of its size.
With hearts filled with glee;
And we have these sixteen fish
For their daddy to see.
In the pick-up she stayed,
Entertaining the mosquitoes
And drinking pop or Kool-aid.
For our "aurevoirs,"
And are hearts are heavy laden.
But move, yes we must,
And in God we trust
That our "friends" list will only broaden.
And our friends, so dear.
We've enjoyed being a part of our parish.
We've liked our schools,
And the other "tools,"
Many thoughts of Murdo we'll always cherish.
Although now we may sigh,
And we will welcome you when at our door.
You know friendships can last;
We can reminisce of the past,
And hold fast to the friendships "before."
Be at work or at play,
We'll try to make it a good measure.
And our ups and downs,
Yes, our smiles and our frowns,
We'll add to our own lives' treasures.
For the party they arranged for me.
Now you know that I am eighty,
But I feel like I'm sixty-three.
For so many kin and friends were nigh.
Yes, surprises, there were many,
And how quickly the time did fly.