Timeless Recollections: Echoes from a One-Room Schoolhouse

Copyright © 2011 by Carl B. Coen.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2011910862

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4628-9479-6

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4628-9478-9

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4628-9480-2

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This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Acknowledgements

For the privilege of writing this book, I would like to thank my friends, Delton Dysart, Lloyd Hoy and Tommy White who have given me encouragement and inspiration to move forward.

Carl Leslie and Natasha Leigh, my two precious children who are a constant joy and pride in my life; Joshua and Kailey, my grandchildren who continually warm my heart; Karen, my daughter-in-law who is a wonderful wife and mother.

My dear sisters, Phyllis and Carlene, who continually forgive me for using them as subjects in funny poems while encouraging and inspiring me to write.

Our dear friend Alice Hermanson for her help and input with the final editing of this book.

Our missionary friends, Ed and Alice Jackson, their love and service for the Lord has always been an encouragement to us.

My wife, Margie, without her tireless efforts and guidance this book would not have become a reality.

Introduction

Poetry became my passion as a child growing up on farms in Kansas and Missouri. Being one of nine siblings helped create many characters and settings for my poetry. Thus, most of these selections are from personal experiences and meaningful friendships.

As you leaf through the pages of this book, you will find whimsical, nostalgic, mysterious and sentimental poems. In particular, poems referencing World War ll brought many memories and emotions to mind as I wrote the words.

My hope is you will find enjoyment and a sense of awareness and gratitude in the joys and lessons that life can teach us.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the men and women who have defended our United States of America. From the earliest settlers to the current defenders of this great nation. May God continue to guide our leaders as He did our Founding Fathers.

Contents

Tales from a One-Room Schoolhouse #1

Tales from a One-Room Schoolhouse #2

Tales from a One-Room Schoolhouse #3

Tales from a One-Room Schoolhouse #4

Tales from a One-Room Schoolhouse #5 Cousin Carmen

Tales from a One-Room Schoolhouse #6

Tales from the One-Room Schoolhouse #7

Carl Leslie

Tommy and Me

My Son

Ze’ Jyiah

My First-Grade Class For Margie

Beaver Creek

The Last Day

Girls

Nurse Cookie

My Cat Sepolio

The Skunk

The Squaw

Unknown,1865

The Wickenburg Stage

My Sister Carlene

Ken Thompson

My Margie

To My Sister Jo

The Missionaries

Twin Pines Ranch

House Made of Love and Bamboo

The Buggy and the Model-T

I Am an Old Wheel

Mortai Island

A Poem for Natasha

Old Fifty Seven

The Old Spinning Wheel

I am America

Phyllis and the Cat

Someday

I’m Just an Old Oak

Julie’s Wedding

Army Buddies

The Grand Oak Tree

Johnny, Donnie, Willard and Me

Tales from a

One-Room Schoolhouse #1

While riding through the countryside

I decided to detour on a little side ride,

to Huggins, Missouri the place we lived

closest to, with a general store and an I. O. U.

Our farm products were traded there,

for seed and grain and things to wear.

In an hour or so I left the store,

and drove another four