tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35973285159121040822024-02-19T03:50:40.485-05:00Aunt Virginia's PoetryMy Aunt Virginia was a teacher and a poet. Sadly, a number of her poems were on tissues and paper bags or whatever she could find when she had the urge to write and many are lost forever. She would wake up in the middle of the night with a poem screaming to be released. Where ever she was, if the urge struck, she had to write. Many were published but most weren't. I hope to rectify that here. All copyright to these poems belongs to me now. She is second from the left in the photo above.Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-56824328422154649722011-08-29T19:30:00.002-04:002011-08-31T15:33:14.207-04:00Patricia Ann<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Patricia Ann Carl is my 2d cousin (once removed). Aunt Ginny wrote a poem especially for her when she was a child (I'm assuming). Ginger Brown, Patricia's daughter, forwarded it for inclusion here with Patricia's permission.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <b>Patricia Ann</b><br />
by Virginia Conway<br />
<br />
She’s fairy like as elfin gay<br />
This little niece who came to stay<br />
At our house a few weeks ago<br />
No other child so sweet we know<br />
She vies in beauty all the flowers<br />
Perhaps it’s because she’s ours.<br />
She’s part, she’s all in every plan<br />
We thank you Lord, for Patricia Ann</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">And, as I suspected, there is a story behind "Patricia Ann",and as I rather suspected, it further reveals the special person our Aunt Ginny was. The following from Patricia via her daughter Ginger. <em>Italics</em> mine.:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There is a story behind the poem. My grandmother, Virginia (<em>this would be my second cousin, Virginia L. Harrison</em>), had a previous child that died during childbirth. He was over 10 pounds and healthy (Momma was 6 pounds.), but my grandmother had him at home, and she was small. As a precaution, when she became pregnant with my mother, Virgil (<em>This would be my second cousin Dr. Virgil Holt Crowder who was personal physician to every one of us</em>) kept a close eye on her weight and made her move to Lawrenceburg well ahead of her due date. My mother was due in December, and the home she lived in was completely surrounded by creeks. If the creeks "got up", there was no way to get out; so she went to stay with her <em>Aunt Ginny</em>. Sound familiar? After my mother was born, they returned to Aunt Ginny's for a brief time, and that's when she wrote the poem. I knew part of this story but not all. I'm glad you asked for it!<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-55309342372275508902010-11-14T22:48:00.002-05:002010-11-14T22:48:34.584-05:00God Smiles<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Let us catch a new glimpse of His</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>kindness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">As we wander along o'er Life's miles;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Our dear Father will ever be gracious--</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Through sunshine and storm our God smiles.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V. Conway</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-76473927329988849422010-11-14T22:43:00.000-05:002010-11-14T22:43:29.502-05:00My Brother's Keeper<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">I pray, dear God, no matter what my </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fate,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That through the years my heart be</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>free of hate;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Though many hurts may scar this soul</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of mine,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">While other folks possess the stars </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that shine;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Give me a heart that's clean unto the</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>end--</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Make me my brother's keeper and his</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>friend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V. Conway</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-81190008414425369112010-11-14T22:36:00.000-05:002010-11-14T22:36:05.833-05:00May 12, 1931<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Dreaming of dreams with a </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>star-spangled sky,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Hiding in laughter a wounded</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>heart's cry</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Of losing the dreams and</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>questioning why,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Down the long years.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Virginia Conway</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-47035482986449962872010-11-14T22:26:00.003-05:002010-11-14T22:28:05.261-05:00May 28, 1926<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">"Look well to today,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">that every yesterday</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">may be of dreams of</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">happiness and every</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tomorrow a vision</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">of hope"-</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-58919485561506958362010-11-13T09:07:00.004-05:002010-11-13T10:36:11.725-05:00Christmas--It Is Love (Greatly expanded revision of 'Christmas Is Love')<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>'Christmas Is Love', a previous post, was handwritten in Aunt Ginnie's yearbook and was transcribed that way. This poem is an expanded version of that, typed out on paper, which makes it her <strong>final</strong> version.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The spirit of Christmas is loving,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Then why have it for only a day?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Let us keep it and give and share it--</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">May it come into our lives to stay.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">When the angels brought the good tidings</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Of joy--was it just for a day,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Or was it to last through the ages</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">For friends to love and to pray?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We cannot buy love in the stores,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">They never have it for sale;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Friendship is not kept on the shelves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Nor wrapped in a package to mail.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">You cannot find understanding</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">In the rush of the crowded throngs,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">But you will find it in the hearts of </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> people,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">And that is where it belongs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The spirit of loving does something</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That makes one's eyes fill with tears;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Makes one feel soft, warm, and tingling--</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Not just for a day but for years.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">It is love that tugs at our heart-strings</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">As we think of the Babe in the manger,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">It is love with its softening influence</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That makes us have smiles for the stranger.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">May we keep it, live it, and share it,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Through joy, through sorrow, and strife,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That more may believe and not perish,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">But have Everlasting Life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-6256001980274182382010-11-13T08:44:00.003-05:002010-11-13T09:37:15.351-05:00An Inventory of Life January 3, 1949<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">I took time out for an inventory today</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Of joys that life has strewn along my </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> way;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">A dream or two which had been allowed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> to rust</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Now cast a gleam of gold through </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> gathering dust.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">I trod the paths that led to sleeping </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> years,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">In Memory's room I stopped and left </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> some tears.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">I peered within the attic of my heart</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">As I with old-time relics now must part.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The keepsakes of old years I almost touch,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">They still are dear and I love them very </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> much;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">And while old memories like a tear drop </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> gleam,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">I steal away and with me take a dream.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-85852664275896344692010-11-13T08:34:00.000-05:002010-11-13T08:34:01.860-05:00The Golden Thread<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">When we come to the close of a busy day</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">And all our colors seem drab and gray,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The Master Weaver looks down with a smile</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">And says, "You will learn it after a while."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">He holds the shuttle in his nail-scarred</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hand</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">As he says, "Someday you will understand</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Why your threads are drab and others gay</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">In the tapestry you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are trying to weave today."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Remember the thread to the Master's throne</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Is the golden thread, "Thy will be done;"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">No tapestry woven will be complete </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">And land one's soul to the Master's feet,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Lest approved by the Master Weaver's smile,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">As he says, "Well done, come home, my child."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">So remember the thread to the Master's throne</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Is the golden thread, "Thy will be done'"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-34202985721025725032010-11-13T08:12:00.000-05:002010-11-13T08:12:45.366-05:00Life's Garden of Roses (Mother's Day)<em>This poem was penned in on the reverse of "the Better Part". Much of the ink has faded away. I don't know exactly how old it is but it would appear that the wish is for a living 'mother' so I would say it's for my grandmother, Mary Lee, which would place it prior to 1945.</em><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">You've tended life's garden </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of roses</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">With a mother's special care,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">With a touch of love and tenderness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That's always gleaming there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">You've filled our hearts with</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>memories</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Of your understanding way,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">And may special joys be blooming</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">For you on this special day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">As you're tending life's garden </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of roses,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">May God in His special way</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Guide, guard, and bless and</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>keep you</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Today and every day.</span></div> V.C.Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-9744806210271904262010-11-13T08:07:00.000-05:002010-11-13T08:07:02.121-05:00The Better Part<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">If I could send a blessing</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A kind that's rare and new</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">I think I'd choose contentment</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To send along to you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Because it's fine and precious...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>'Tis not a gift of mine...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">But one of intrinsic value</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the Giver of Gifts Divine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">I'd like to light the candles</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To shine within your heart;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">As day by day you trust and serve</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And learn the better part.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-76082559181522800362010-11-08T20:54:00.003-05:002010-11-09T07:22:19.374-05:00The Land of Yester-Year<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">At the end of this poem Aunt Ginnie wrote the following annotation:</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>"I was the little girl. I sat in the top of the little tree and read poetry until twilight many a day. V.C.</em></span></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRteeR0IDWUy98KQ5BFMRFa5BtSlr3XT6XoFltL-F4em15jKTCFDn2_gWuZmFoSYGNbU7ydrl0qj9u1b1D9evLDH6Nn3r1IDk98R25CJh8n_tC29WeIXlv62oa7Roiizsz8yenFNIxh8Q/s1600/Conway%252C+Virginia%252C++as+a+child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRteeR0IDWUy98KQ5BFMRFa5BtSlr3XT6XoFltL-F4em15jKTCFDn2_gWuZmFoSYGNbU7ydrl0qj9u1b1D9evLDH6Nn3r1IDk98R25CJh8n_tC29WeIXlv62oa7Roiizsz8yenFNIxh8Q/s400/Conway%252C+Virginia%252C++as+a+child.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virginia Conway on the family farm in Appleton, TN, abt 7-8 yo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">There's a wonder-land way back in the</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>past</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">With clusters of memories dear,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">There weren't any sorrows 'cept children's </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>kind</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">In the dear land of Yester-year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">A dear little tree by a roadside green,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Bordered with blossoms so gay;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">A wee little girl on the topmost branch,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">A readin' the livelong day.--</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Till the sun goes down and the shadows</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Come stealin' over us all; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">A voice so anxiously callin',</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">"Look out, daughter, you'll fall."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Through the years she's been through the</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forests,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">She's heard that ever-sweet call,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Far above all pleasures and splendor,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">"Look out, daughter, you'll fall."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">There's a wonder-land way back in the</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>past</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">With clusters of memories dear,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">There weren't any sorrows 'cept children's </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>kind</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">In the dear land of Yester-year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-26985329535540158872010-11-08T20:26:00.000-05:002010-11-08T20:26:10.237-05:00My Creed<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">To live each day as if I knew</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">'Twould be the last in which to do</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The kindly things for those in need,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Or talk to God with whom I plead.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That I may understanding be</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">And keep my mind both clean and free</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">From every evil, every guile,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That I may meet life with a smile.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">To live each day the best I can</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">To keep the faith with God and man,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">To keep my soul and body clean,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">My actions free from all things mean;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">To live each day as if for me--</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The last before Eternity.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-11837369049204366812010-11-08T19:59:00.002-05:002010-11-08T20:36:37.400-05:00First Song; Since I Found You--Just You<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">My world is filled with love and song</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The gray clouds turned to blue,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">There's sunshine in my heart today</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That beats for you, just you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>Chorus:</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><br />
</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>Since I found you, just you, dear heart,</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>My soul's caressed with love's own wine,</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>The ecstasy's so wondrous sweet,</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>Since you--just you--dear heart, are mine.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><br />
</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>The stars of night are gems of gold,</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>The glorious dawn's of rose-flushed hue,</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ecstasy's so wondrous sweet,</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><em>Since I found you, dear heart, just you.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The streams of time are filled with joy,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Like gems of morning dew,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That glistens in this heart o' mine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">That beats for you, just you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chorus:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZeNUqE_M7bySi1lzIcX5DlfJ5ptRNoDaeI0hVGO-zGa_BCY_p59ewa8qyKFJqVN5hc2ouD2cr7FNVamkVJOIwPwyaPBZ8ya9qhXsdlgKR18h22AUDIWVRoURJSt2wOeGBltr_Ny5zaI/s1600/Since+I+found+You,+Just+You0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZeNUqE_M7bySi1lzIcX5DlfJ5ptRNoDaeI0hVGO-zGa_BCY_p59ewa8qyKFJqVN5hc2ouD2cr7FNVamkVJOIwPwyaPBZ8ya9qhXsdlgKR18h22AUDIWVRoURJSt2wOeGBltr_Ny5zaI/s640/Since+I+found+You,+Just+You0001.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZQ6xvu6mFEiTEDWvncRFTWdiVsAtCpCVkNRZTgE-CysHXuRmJnvei9_IH8BxEYKxiA0CZ5Gi-i1FZTLyy8hcFhXZeKlKNmSZc25qiz0ZTFruu9_NLK6YDX9OB5lu6fG-qYoP3ojwVLY/s1600/Since+I+found+you+pg+10001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZQ6xvu6mFEiTEDWvncRFTWdiVsAtCpCVkNRZTgE-CysHXuRmJnvei9_IH8BxEYKxiA0CZ5Gi-i1FZTLyy8hcFhXZeKlKNmSZc25qiz0ZTFruu9_NLK6YDX9OB5lu6fG-qYoP3ojwVLY/s640/Since+I+found+you+pg+10001.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTq_oSYrbYJgMva1PWXtm3lMx_9ThqntO_hk-1VQWnd6kvrKIvAHB2wm_xI3zQa68mEQHLC53OEkzEb8LFO5pV-y6GViXsdbuaqWA9E3rp_K-Gng-ldW3EoBNiwjVbuYNFvUySnR9ma8/s1600/Since+I+found+You+pg+20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTq_oSYrbYJgMva1PWXtm3lMx_9ThqntO_hk-1VQWnd6kvrKIvAHB2wm_xI3zQa68mEQHLC53OEkzEb8LFO5pV-y6GViXsdbuaqWA9E3rp_K-Gng-ldW3EoBNiwjVbuYNFvUySnR9ma8/s640/Since+I+found+You+pg+20001.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-57164072516242798192010-11-08T11:59:00.001-05:002010-11-08T20:56:35.580-05:00Dreamland Out Yonder Sunglints Along the Wayside October 1936Oh, dreamer, my dear, won't you<br />
give me your hand<br />
And lead where I'm longing to wander,<br />
Away to the beautiful star-bedecked<br />
land--<br />
A day in the Dreamland out yonder.<br />
<br />
Where fragments of dreams scattered<br />
wide on the sands<br />
Creep back to my eager spread fingers;<br />
To dwell in the beautiful star-bedecked<br />
land<br />
Where the Spirit of Hope ever lingers.<br />
V.C.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfps_XP0_A6jbw6XHQRS4Syfo5A5D2oLRWnAMlOoIMywV8k6L9W-wl3RGnGalpBeTaQ73Z6Xgot_-bLAeU__jWc2uRLK-oAjP4kz5NJZ3B5Cgl7-UwABNL9GU9TJyKpB4KOa0YMP8w-Ac/s1600/Sunglints+along+the+wayside0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfps_XP0_A6jbw6XHQRS4Syfo5A5D2oLRWnAMlOoIMywV8k6L9W-wl3RGnGalpBeTaQ73Z6Xgot_-bLAeU__jWc2uRLK-oAjP4kz5NJZ3B5Cgl7-UwABNL9GU9TJyKpB4KOa0YMP8w-Ac/s640/Sunglints+along+the+wayside0001.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-40897979480342973682010-11-08T11:39:00.000-05:002010-11-08T11:39:27.202-05:00The Star of Hope The Muse of 1943There is a star of hope that gleams afar,<br />
Despite the hate, the turmoil, and the strife;<br />
And still there's love and faith deep in our hearts--<br />
The Star of Hope renews the lease on Life.<br />
<br />
Despair is so like shadows glimpsing through<br />
The trees whose arms are now so gaunt and bare;<br />
Regardless of the storms men must endure,<br />
The Star of Hope renews Life through a prayer.<br />
<br />
While still there's love and faith deep in our hearts,<br />
While still we trust in God who holds our hands;<br />
The Star of Hope renews Life through a prayer;<br />
And lifts us far above the sinking sands.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> V.C.</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi4MkIlQm_xcsWAItihVz24GPlB2RoVSqcKPW_lIptlQy6Sf6XOTvZyU6lyunj269Tg40fG8zVA-VwzEucm9ohon-aRz6bDKpbZT3hrsh4AZG5Jm-whGNlpQhQiOi1wYjsuXvrwuiM40/s1600/The+Muse+of+'430001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi4MkIlQm_xcsWAItihVz24GPlB2RoVSqcKPW_lIptlQy6Sf6XOTvZyU6lyunj269Tg40fG8zVA-VwzEucm9ohon-aRz6bDKpbZT3hrsh4AZG5Jm-whGNlpQhQiOi1wYjsuXvrwuiM40/s640/The+Muse+of+'430001.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on image for full size</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-79305393313952673512010-11-08T11:29:00.000-05:002010-11-08T11:29:16.737-05:00Souls Immortal The Muse of 1943I little dreamed that morn as you went walking<br />
Adown the path to school on your first day;<br />
A little lad with half a fear of something;<br />
A little lad who knew not what to say.<br />
<br />
Your little suit of courage decked with grandeur,<br />
And splendor stood beside you, yet alone,<br />
A little lad with half a fear of something,<br />
That Fate could hardly wait to guide you on.<br />
<br />
I could not know that Time was a daily calling,<br />
That strangest notes of glory filled the air,<br />
Enveloping in uniforms of Splendor,<br />
Dear you, my little lad, with tousled hair.<br />
<br />
I little dreamed that day a cloak of glory<br />
Was wrapping you in folds I could not see--<br />
A country's call--a county's laurels--<br />
No dream--but Immortality.<br />
V.C.Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-55742308211706708532010-11-08T10:38:00.001-05:002010-11-13T21:53:41.539-05:00Bleeding Hearts The Poetic Voice of America, 1939<em>The term 'Bleeding Heart' did not have the same meaning in the early part of the 20th Century that it has today. It was primarily a term for an emotionally damaged, heart broken person.</em><br />
<br />
Across the broken trail of years,<br />
Strong, stalwart sons march through our tears;<br />
Within the fields where poppies bloom,<br />
For bleeding hearts we must make room;<br />
Sweet joy and peace will be no more<br />
Until the cannons cease to roar.<br />
Until there's peace--brave sons our loss--<br />
A Bleeding Heart grows near each cross.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> V.C.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHxBpzJ6vvyKrC1lVM_iWIEclY4oV8BWFbHeN360nUVYKNULj4Ws2SKJVNqsN0IbRfEFtakmX3xkdy8l0nEEnUXeVNB8owshOirE4OmoHXgqUMtnRpJejBsY-xcp21EuwxSQJZTva6AY/s1600/Poetic+Voices+of+America+1939+page+1230001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHxBpzJ6vvyKrC1lVM_iWIEclY4oV8BWFbHeN360nUVYKNULj4Ws2SKJVNqsN0IbRfEFtakmX3xkdy8l0nEEnUXeVNB8owshOirE4OmoHXgqUMtnRpJejBsY-xcp21EuwxSQJZTva6AY/s640/Poetic+Voices+of+America+1939+page+1230001.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-39306392088609269142010-11-08T10:31:00.001-05:002010-11-08T10:32:15.037-05:00The Saviour of Peace The Poetic Voice of America, 1939In peaceful beauty and stillness,<br />
In the starlight gold and bright;<br />
The shepherds abode in their fields<br />
And watched their flocks by night.<br />
<br />
When an angel came unto them<br />
And said, "Fear not for I bring<br />
Good tidings of joy, for today<br />
Is born the Saviour and King.<br />
<br />
"Guided by a star you'll find him<br />
In a manger--no room in the inn;"--<br />
Glory to God in the highest,<br />
Peace and good will to men.<br />
V.C.Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-42128426948093644322010-11-08T10:24:00.000-05:002010-11-08T10:24:45.238-05:00Why Have War The Poetic Voice of America, 1939Why should the blood of men be spilled,<br />
Why should fond mothers' eyes be filled<br />
With tears because of war lords' cry,--<br />
Why have war, dear God, oh why?<br />
<br />
Why should our youth give up their lives,<br />
Why should our men leave weeping wives?<br />
Why should each bear a brave heart's loss?<br />
A new-made grave--another cross?<br />
<br />
Why have war, dear God, oh why?<br />
Please give us peace for which we sigh.--<br />
We pray that soon may come again<br />
Sweet, "Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men."<br />
V.C.Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-29691581713938298602010-11-08T09:45:00.003-05:002010-11-08T21:23:25.242-05:00What Did You Do? Sunglints By The Wayside, March 1937When he asked for bread,<br />
Did you give him a stone?<br />
When he cried for help,<br />
Did you leave him alone?<br />
<br />
When he begged for drink,<br />
Did you give him gall?<br />
As he stumbled on,<br />
Did you see him fall?<br />
<br />
Did you give him shoes<br />
When his feet were bare?<br />
Did you share your coats <br />
As he waited there?<br />
<br />
Did you offer him balm<br />
To a bleeding heart?<br />
When the Master called,<br />
Did you do your part?<br />
V.C.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5HusZKv5CMLa2RfBqqOhCEtYvsjOYZ-4KlaBUGudMJIBhfm6bEEez2oP9O-b9_6d7WFS643TTTXa2IZf-YiEOy8xD58htc_1XnJbMp37tK_BBm1bMUf86ZVCR7iuNnyy_XDhpQTnGnU/s1600/Sunglints+By+the+wayside0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5HusZKv5CMLa2RfBqqOhCEtYvsjOYZ-4KlaBUGudMJIBhfm6bEEez2oP9O-b9_6d7WFS643TTTXa2IZf-YiEOy8xD58htc_1XnJbMp37tK_BBm1bMUf86ZVCR7iuNnyy_XDhpQTnGnU/s640/Sunglints+By+the+wayside0001.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same magazine. Click image for full size.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-22346622547502799002010-11-08T08:03:00.004-05:002010-11-08T10:14:16.922-05:00Ships In The Night 1939 World's Fair Edition of American Voices, page 141<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Bubbles in the air, gay rose-colored glasses,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">The years rolling on, how swiftly time passes;</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Searching each day for gay baubles so bright,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Hoping my ships won't pass in the night,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Unless they are filled with longings and fears,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Or with broken hearts to be mended with tears--</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">If so, let them pass -- may a faith fill my soul</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">With joy and sweet peace as the years swiftly roll.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbtSJAeKigO7fDt-3uAox86A-1FjA4aNf6ZYX-mjVN9f5qdN-LtxXn6-gLvPy0tYjxzCI-j3XRpiB-FbpHvffj3E_cSp6VaEsN0j3gCCC5Kkf4jPkB2s0IXcpsUiN6kYC5OEgOppjyF0/s1600/1939+World's+Fair+edition0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbtSJAeKigO7fDt-3uAox86A-1FjA4aNf6ZYX-mjVN9f5qdN-LtxXn6-gLvPy0tYjxzCI-j3XRpiB-FbpHvffj3E_cSp6VaEsN0j3gCCC5Kkf4jPkB2s0IXcpsUiN6kYC5OEgOppjyF0/s640/1939+World's+Fair+edition0001.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-47520045260052865852010-11-08T07:56:00.000-05:002010-11-08T07:56:04.922-05:00Words 1939 World's Fair Edition of American Voices, page 141<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I wounded a heart with a careless word</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Like the broken wing of a lilting bird.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I lightened a heart with a word of praise</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Like a blooming rose on the bleakest days.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">When I wounded a heart my heart broke, too,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">When the hurt of another came in view.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">When I lightened a heart my heart was gay</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Like a blooming rose on the bleakest day.</span></div> V.C.Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-43319663062784855292010-11-08T07:48:00.002-05:002010-11-08T07:48:57.778-05:00Faith 1939 World's Fair Edition of American Voices, page 141<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If I can take the bitter with the sweet</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As I each day life's little problems meet;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If I can keep sweet hope within my breast,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If I, alone, can stand the crucial test</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Of keeping courage fine in the face of woe;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If I can love my enemy, my foe,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Then I have kept a faith that's truly fine,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A faith in God whose wisdom's sure, divine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V.C.</span></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-7632244014058495162010-11-08T07:29:00.004-05:002010-11-09T07:32:26.043-05:00Memories Thanksgiving November 25, 1948<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandfather Ambros Silas Conway died in 1926.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a terrible blow to Aunt Ginnie but she and Grandmother Mary Lee were extremely close and they helped each other through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1945.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This nearly crushed Aunt Ginnie but she was a strong person and recovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following poem is annotated, "Remembering dear Father and Mother".</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz4nNaUYkQWDwu5CXeRxhIKGm5m3cA9YVXvsbaMQkoHJu7Z4QfScHDEygQgXMeTVzuTIV_0JrTjy6k3n8rbAjOz6FhrDmbf-bp4SBYri-HOLTvc4XdqQc9IdfDx1KJHmWPNfGq8o7SLE/s1600/Conway,+Mary+Cottrell++&+Virginia+Conway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz4nNaUYkQWDwu5CXeRxhIKGm5m3cA9YVXvsbaMQkoHJu7Z4QfScHDEygQgXMeTVzuTIV_0JrTjy6k3n8rbAjOz6FhrDmbf-bp4SBYri-HOLTvc4XdqQc9IdfDx1KJHmWPNfGq8o7SLE/s200/Conway,+Mary+Cottrell++&+Virginia+Conway.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Lee & Virginia</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Memories come crowding</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> a</span>round me</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">O'er the arms and the back</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of my chair.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">They fill every nook</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> a</span>nd corner,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">They seem to be every-</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> w</span>here.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">On a far country road</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see him,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">My dad with a present</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>so</u> <u>rare</u>--</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It was neither diamonds</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>nor rubies,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACbGLcugZG9uaBrSYH9eyMKu4ICz3mprJ_HI367jRjlIEPdn5sMYx3Jdi9q6ce1Ohi4xjMhZE6wTXHxY8tt7zAHZNGZkV1lVySgrVo8R8swGF-o5bKBD0S-Su-zgACgJAqvmYyH728Yw/s1600/Conway,+Mary+Lee+Cottrell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACbGLcugZG9uaBrSYH9eyMKu4ICz3mprJ_HI367jRjlIEPdn5sMYx3Jdi9q6ce1Ohi4xjMhZE6wTXHxY8tt7zAHZNGZkV1lVySgrVo8R8swGF-o5bKBD0S-Su-zgACgJAqvmYyH728Yw/s1600/Conway,+Mary+Lee+Cottrell.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Lee Cottrell Conway</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">But a dark red rocking</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> c</span>hair.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">To her, 'twas a happy</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanksgiving,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">On her face was a </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> r</span>adiance fair,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">In her eyes was a</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKqXTOQGeHJMOckz6fpd12nCBzxrtgohJUcSrh3w3gHt0b2ROHVo7YojCzm0xAhk2-sqE5a_vPGnYUpKEN_eK4lEDstzOBWl-eTTCGcLe-eJoOStd0t6qebwr9N1lAWiAgwg23_esd-Q/s1600/Conway,+Silas+Ambrose+Right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKqXTOQGeHJMOckz6fpd12nCBzxrtgohJUcSrh3w3gHt0b2ROHVo7YojCzm0xAhk2-sqE5a_vPGnYUpKEN_eK4lEDstzOBWl-eTTCGcLe-eJoOStd0t6qebwr9N1lAWiAgwg23_esd-Q/s320/Conway,+Silas+Ambrose+Right.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silas Conway</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">l</span>ook that was precious--</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A wonderful love lingered</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> t</span>here.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">In the door of a cottage</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see her,</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">My mother with </span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> h</span>appiness glowing.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">O, What would I give</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> o</span>nce again</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">To see such a love</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> g</span>rowing.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Where it did not</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> t</span>ake diamonds or rubies,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Just a plain little</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> r</span>ocking chair</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Gave a radiant,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> h</span>appy Thanksgiving</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">When the light of great love</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> l</span>ingered there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> V.C.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3597328515912104082.post-63644317186459293132010-11-08T07:02:00.009-05:002010-11-13T22:04:52.867-05:00Jim's Birthday Gift November 23, 1948<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Dear Jim,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God bless you today, your 18th birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May He cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May He throw His protecting arm around you and keep you from all harm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wherever you are</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you do,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May Jehovah's love</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abide with you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aunt Ginnie</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">James Bennett (Jim) Conway died in the jungles of Viet Nam on the 12th of April, 1966. He gave his life to save his men after they walked into an ambush. The newspaper got the date wrong.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuPRlcethVwrmJilNguIBUggPmxpr6DR-ROjmkx6VbDhJegqnmopo2rMgl_yY_8_uA0x6ubMMpDcYTUGl0BoKOqsGkUU15OAGg36fibW9zSjTZDjXXBXfjet7jsNHq8B8i9fer9NCu8k/s1600/53440656_128326666579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuPRlcethVwrmJilNguIBUggPmxpr6DR-ROjmkx6VbDhJegqnmopo2rMgl_yY_8_uA0x6ubMMpDcYTUGl0BoKOqsGkUU15OAGg36fibW9zSjTZDjXXBXfjet7jsNHq8B8i9fer9NCu8k/s320/53440656_128326666579.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><em>NASHVILLE BANNER and then the DEMOCRAT UNION in Lawrenceburg May 16, 1966</em></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Capt. James Conway, Son of Local Man, Dies Heroically In Jungles of Vietnam<br />
<br />
Capt. Jim Conway, son of Mr. Lee Conway of Lawrenceburg, and Mrs. Elizabeth Conway of Ft. Benning, Ga., has been reported killed in action while commanding a Special Forces unit in Vietnam. Capt. Conway, holder of many decorations and citations, was a career soldier with 15 years to his credit, a master paratrooper, had logged 2000 hours as a bomber pilot, and spoke two foreign languages. He had served his country three years in the rugged terrain of Korea, and been in Vietnam for a year. This story, reprinted from the Nashville Banner, was written by Marshall Morgan, special correspondent.<br />
________________________<br />
<br />
On the afternoon of Monday, April 11, 1966 - in the jungle hell of Vietnam - an American-Vietnamese patrol felt its way, cautiously, near the Cambodian border. The reconnaissance group was made up of picked men, 22 of them, all members of the elite "Green Beret" jungle fighters. Every man had been trained for his special task.<br />
The patrol leader that ill-fated day was Capt. James B. Conway, 35 year old native of Franklin - a man who had volunteered for a second combat hitch in the American ordeal in Southeast Asia.<br />
<br />
Crossfire<br />
Suddenly the patrol met the deadly crossfire of an ambush. Outnumbered five to one, the gallant handful of Green Beret men fought back, without yielding, for four interminable hours.<br />
A Viet Cong bullet swept from his head Capt. Conway's jaunty beret, miraculously leaving him uninjured.<br />
Fighting by his side was Sgt. Harold T. Palmer, of Norfolk, Va.<br />
"Captain, they've got you zeroed in!" was his warning cry.<br />
Capt. Conway, reloading, found time for a wry grin.<br />
"Your turn, next, sergeant," he said. Then, with a sweeping motion of his left arm, he gestured toward the rear.<br />
"Get out of here - all of you!" he yelled. "I'll cover for you!"<br />
<br />
++++<br />
<br />
Yesterday, in Franklin, the Captain's younger brother, Carter Conway, was handed a long expected, long dreaded telegram. It was crisp, unemotional, almost impersonal.<br />
"The Secretary of the Army expresses his deep regret that the status of your brother, Capt. James B. Conway, has been changed from missing in action to that of dead...His body has not been recovered."<br />
It was not until May 9, almost a month after the deadly encounter, that Sgt. Palmer found time to write his father.<br />
"Capt. Conway yelled for us to go back, that he would cover for us," penned the combat weary noncom. "Then he got it - through the head. But even as he was falling, dying, he got off a shot from his automatic that finished off a VC attacker."<br />
Sgt. Palmer deliberately disobeyed Capt. Conway's last order to retreat. Instead, with a companion equally insubordinate and gallant, he crawled to the side of his commanding officer, now fatally wounded. They stayed with him until he died; then, still firing, they backed away to temporary safety.<br />
<br />
++++<br />
<br />
The grim details, even now are scanty.<br />
A rescue group secured the area the next day only to find Capt. Conway's body missing. There were signs that it had been dragged through the elephant grass.<br />
Wrote Sgt. Palmer to the 26 year old brother of his commanding officer:<br />
"Capt. Conway is a hero, and saved my life. He will be highly decorated for his action this day. I've never been much at words, but Capt. Conway was the finest man I have ever served under."<br />
<br />
++++<br />
<br />
Capt. Conway was never much at words, either; but once he said to his brother, Carter: "if anything happens to me in Vietnam this time, never mind any heroic tombstone. Just have engraved on it my name, the date of my birth and death - and one word. I want that word to be this: 'Soldier'."<br />
And so, in Franklin's Mount Hope Cemetery, though no body will be interred, soon there will be a simple marker. It will read:<br />
"Capt. James Bennett Conway. Born November 23, 1930. Died April 11, 1966. Soldier."<br />
________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span class="rttext"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><em>Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.</em> </span></span></span><br />
________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #414141; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Distinguished Service Cross<br />
<br />
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War<br />
<br />
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) James Bennett Conway, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. On 12 April 1966, Captain Conway was serving as the Senior Special Forces Advisor to a reconnaissance patrol operating in the Ia Drang Valley in the Republic of Vietnam. As the patrol screened their assigned area, they came under hostile automatic weapons fire which wounded several and halted their progress. After insuring the safety of the wounded, Captain Conway led the friendly forces in an assault which routed the Viet Cong from their positions of concealment. As the friendly forces pursued the hostile contingent, they came upon a well-positioned insurgent force of company size. Despite the hostile force's numerical and positional advantage, Captain Conway led the patrol in successful attacks claiming many insurgent lives. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Conway courageously engaged a well-fortified insurgent machine gun position at extremely close range with grenades and small arms fire. Throughout this action, he continually exposed himself to murderous fire to insure the success of the assault. When the Viet Cong maneuvered to encircle the hard-pressed patrol, Captain Conway planned and led an evasion route in order to regroup the force and continue the attack. As the hostile machine gun fire increased, Captain Conway again exposed himself to heavy Viet Cong fire and directed effective suppressive fire with effective results. During the final stages of the friendly evasive action, Captain Conway was mortally wounded while engaging friendly troops positioned about him. Captain Conway's extraordinary heroism and supreme sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.<br />
<br />
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 164 (July 19, 1966)<br />
Action Date: 12-Apr-66<br />
Service: Army<br />
Rank: Captain<br />
Regiment: 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)<br />
Division: 1st Special Forces</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"></span></div></div>Ice Cream Soldierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05700071749631039726noreply@blogger.com1