MY UNCLE SAM

I won’t be there to say goodbye to my uncle homeward bound.

This one who always greeted me warmly and with my aunt

Shared their good home and food with strangers and family.

The familiar form and firm handshake that assured me that

Here I was accepted for who I was, and here I was welcome.

So many wonderful memories of days gone by preserved

Within eternal thoughts of fellowship, hearth and home.

God blessed so many of us through you, Uncle Sam,

Who thought of others first in the everyday specialness

That described the Halvorson home on the farm

Where children and their parents would explore

And visit and stop awhile to remember and perhaps

To forget some time-worn experience or two.

Summer and winter, springtime and harvest,

Long walks around the lake, milking cows or

Harvesting hay for yet another winter and

The snows that would surely come to us all.

Some others who have strayed so far from field and farm

Would do well to study one who fashioned a mansion

In his kingdom by a lake and taught others to appreciate

The majesty of a friendly smile and easy conversation

That brought such sweet comfort, quiet conversation and rest.

The world’s a large place if you care to explore, and yet

I wonder if the best sort of discoveries happen within

Our well-placed nests away from noisy paths’ allure.

We trace our footsteps to the barn and hear familiar sounds

Of crickets, dogs and cats and swishing tails that remind

Ourselves that here we sink our roots and cultivate our oasis,

Mowing the hay of a thousand familiar roads and homeward go

To evening chores and well-earned rest. Rest easy, Sam, and know

That we will not forget your friendship and devotion to those you loved.

Margaret and your friends are waiting with the Christ

You served so well. You leave us with fond memories

Of good times long ago when we shared your cozy home,

And winter’s stormy blasts were never so cold when invited

To come inside your safe and welcome harbor.

Sinewy Norwegian who taught Americaness to us all

With your thoughtful ways and neighborliness for those

Both far and near. That quiet strength which towers above

And subdues the restless heart and knows that

Most experiences are better when shared with those you love.

We’ll miss you, Sam. God speed you on your way!

Mark Overt Skilbred