Poetry - John to Elna

I found these to poems in an envelope on which my mother wrote "Poetry John to Elna".  I don't know if it is the only poetry that he wrote, but I remember nothing of any poetry being written by my Dad..  Since one is dated May 9, 1948, which was when I was in  Seminary they may both have been written after I was no longer around them very much of the time.

What shall I do for Mothers' Day

Something useful? frivolous? ornamental or gay?

Hose she has from her daughters already

Curtains she's worked on till her pins are unsteady.

A nice box of candy would suit her taste

But the state of her tummy would make it a waste.

She'd love a new hat but which one I don't know

She can choose it herself and here is the dough.

Father Olson

Enclosure - Check


That was the dated one.  I'm not sure what the occasion was for this next one. But thought you might enjoy it.

OWED TO MY DEAR WIFE

You wash my hose,

You iron my clothes;

You cook my meals,

You ignore my oaths

When my temper's hot

And I boil like a pot.

You know how it feels

To be on a tough spot

With a husband who's grouchy

And lazy and slouchy.

It's misery he deals 

By being so touchy.

So when your nerves start to ravel,

And you feel you must travel

Despite hubby's appeals

In a voice coarse as gravel - 

Here's a bag that's just right 

For two days and a night

This absence reveals

You're his sweetness and light.

John H. Olson

Now I never knew anytime my Dad had a hot temper, or was grouchy, and certainly not lazy or touchy or slouchy, but it makes a good poem, I thought.

They were a very devoted couple and taught me a  lot about getting along in a marriage.