Several of the author's names I recognize...many I don't. But one stands out taller to me than the others--Margaret (Meg) Rampton Munk.
My stepfather, Russell's first wife. A talented poet and from all accounts, a remarkable woman. She died in 1986, leaving Russ and their three children--and a compelling collection of poetry as her legacy.
I'm still working my way through the book, but one of Meg's resonated loudly with me today.
For Dad and Mother
Margaret Rampton Munk
Weary at evening,
After the alarm clock,
Oatmeal,
Lunch pails,
Car pool,
Grocery bags
Up ten steps
Two by two,
Tuna fish
And noodle soup,
School bus,
Socks and blue jeans,
Swimming lesson,
"Papa Haydn"
At the keyboard,
Stacatto oratory
From the first grade reader,
Knights in armor
On their sofa cushion steeds,
Urgent calls
From six-year-old admirers,
Skinned knees
And Band-Aids,
Broken bike chains,
Missing mittens,
Quarrels of unknown origin,
Kitchen strewn with leavings
Of creative genius,
Frying pan
And soapsuds,
Fork on the left,
Spoon on the right,
Gymnastics after dinner,
Toothpaste and pajamas,
Stories,
Singing,
And the very latest tactics
For bedtime delay--
I do well to remember:
Someone thought
That I was worth it,
Every day.
5 comments:
Let me tell you, Meg was an amazing women!! I am so excited that someone put her beautiful poetry in a book. I actually remeber as a teenager her talent. I need to get that book. Do you know where we could get one??
I love that poem! Thanks for sharing it. It is definitely one I will share with my own parents.
Thanks for sharing that. I remember so clearly when Meg's book was published. My dad told me about the new book--I need to get a copy.
BYU Studies published the book--I'm pretty sure my parents ordered it from them on-line. I also looked at Amazon, and I think you can get a used one through someone there. Aside from Meg's, there are some other wonderful poems--it's worth having.
I remember Meg and her poetry. Thanks for the sweet memory. That poem certainly resonates around here too.
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