Poems by Papa Michael Persson

There is nothing more rewarding than when we see our children and grandchildren embrace cherished family traditions.  Often they are the events and customs of our most endearing holidays.  But, what I really love, is creating new traditions, big or small, forever weaving more colorful threads into the beautiful fabric of our way of life.  Whether at home, on vacation, or during a fun filled calendar of seasonal events and festivals in the regions where we live.  There is nothing quite like the excitement that comes with having something special to look forward to and experience.  For this poem I have endeavored to express the wonderful times when my beloved granddaughter, visits our home for a long and glorious weekend, filled with traditions, old and new.  Stories, games, colorful art, sunshine, tasty meals, outdoor activities, and gardens are all the things we experience and do.  Beginning with the ringing of our very own
Liberty Bell.  And what a feeling for me, as Papa, when I see her beaming smile, enjoying every single moment of her days with us.  As sure as the sun will always rise, so will the life, love, learning, and laughter rooted in our family’s creative heritage and rich traditions.     

Without a doubt, there is an insatiable fascination with the extraordinary structures of every architectural interpretation that dot the surface of our world.  Particularly, for those us who are from well-traveled societies, mainly America and Europe.  No question there is something uniquely exotic about having the opportunity to view, first hand, worldwide monuments, some of which date all the way back to antiquity.  However, history does tell us that only one of seven wonders of the ancient world still stand today.  The Pyramids of Giza.  And even though they have endured, unlike, for example, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or the Colossus of Rhodes, the Egyptian dynasties that actually built them have long since passed from prominence.  In the same way, the ancient emperors who built the Great Wall of China and the Royals who built Windsor no longer reign as they once did.  Nonetheless, there is a profound and persistent tendency of many nations, as well as, religions to revere locations they deem sacred to either their cause or reputed origin.  I must say, writing this poem was particularly enjoyable.  As it slowly evolved over the course of about three weeks I began to see a wonderful opportunity to use these icons, symbols, and philosophical sentiments to express a very different message about a very different kind of empire. The one that will always last, now and forever.  The one that lives in the midst of all the others.  The one that we will always honor in my home.  Regardless of where that may be. 

Beginning with my early adult life in Arizona, taking walks has always been very important and rewarding for me.  Whether it was on the many paths of Dreamy Draw Mountain Preserve in Phoenix, Soldier’s Pass in Sedona, the lanes along the Arizona Canals, or even the quiet streets of Sonoran Mountain Ranch, I always enjoyed the opportunity to walk and talk with my thoughts.  Morning or late evening, feeling the springtime warmth or the approaching season of Fall was absolutely soul lifting.  And, as much as, I have enjoyed a lifetime of swimming, whenever the occasion afforded it, walking is truly the finest form of exercise for the body and the mind.  I must say, those who walk for the health benefits and yet listen either to music or a podcast are, in my estimation,
missing out on the richest part of the experience.  To clear one’s mind.  And now, living in the Finger Lakes of New York, the richness of village life during the four seasons coupled with unparalleled sights and sounds when taking long walks, has sent me back home to the spirit of my life growing up among the brave working class of the Ohio River Valley north of Pittsburgh.  As James Taylor sang, “Sunny days I thought would never end.”  And by the grace of the Good Lord, I now understand that they never did.  Even when it rained.   

Regardless of our age, loneliness is a desperate feeling for anyone to endure.  No matter how brief or how long it may last.  The causes are many.  The solution is one.  Love.  Even if only in your memory, find that someone who always loved you, unconditionally.  Just as I will always be, no matter when, no matter where, for my beloved granddaughter, a uniquely creative and sensitive child who, I have no doubt, will someday grow into a brilliant, bright, and wonderful woman. 

Many years ago, I had the occasion to briefly share an elevator with four professional basketball players while in Phoenix, Arizona.  Now, I should tell you that I
am 6’5”, which when compared to the average man, I am aptly described as tall.  But in that elevator for those few seconds, I was patently small.  Proving that it is only by comparison that anything is defined, including us.  Whether it be objective, which is quantitative, or subjective, which is supposed to be qualitative.  However, the factor which now greatly diminishes the validity of subjective comparisons is that those who are viewed as the pinnacle of their respective form, are all too often based solely on their social notoriety.   Not the ‘quality’ of their skill, creativity or knowledge.  Therefore, don’t be lured in by a desire for main stream public approval.  Remember, today’s cultural appetite for social adoration, laden with prejudiced peer reviews, is not now nor will it ever be, the true measure of the uniqueness of you.  

I have always felt the worst nightmare for any parent would be to outlive their child.  I cannot imagine the grief for those who have experienced such a heart wrenching loss.  And yet, now more than ever, I have become acutely aware of the other side of the proverbial coin.  Dying before my time and not having the opportunity to do everything I possibly can for my beloved granddaughter and her baby sister.  For many years, I have contributed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Where faith in God and the miracle of science have joined together to fight for every single child who have received their exceptional care, fruitful research, and servant love.  May the Good Lord bless every single individual who works there and, of course, the extraordinary man who will forever be remembered as the genesis of its divine mission, Danny Thomas.