To Larry Phillipson

The appreciation for each person's part, you hold;
a memory of their thoughtfulness you carry.
What observations that overcome the cold;
surprising? No, we hear it come from Larry.

His words of bravery and beauty, poem and song,
How many who admired these miss them;
As we recall the hope he brought along,
our fond memory is now in requiem.

From Amery to Nashville, World War Two and back,
A love and marriage, honored unashamed,
to share the romance, also tears, no lack,
those who cared and shared his memories, kindly named.

Describing brilliant autumn, fiery at its close,
his gratitude for those who gladly help, he's shown.
A man who could sing both of war and of the rose,
a privilege this community has known.

A nurse, a CNA, a visitor's welcome smile,
each acknowledged with a word of praise;
his lyrical words have brightened many a mile,
added, "feel good about themselves" to busy days.

The good, the pain, the lovely on this earth,
his words and song with meaning expressing them,
and, as words tell of his beloved worth,
the draped flag joins in the requiem.