Treadway, Allen Frank

Other Events:

• Residence: Nov 2003, Xenia, Greene, Ohio, USA

Notes:

This poem was written by Allen for his wife:

To Carolyn

It's been thirty-something years that we've
Been walking two by two, as the good sage
Of Grovers Corners says we're meant. Not always
Hand in hand, but never back to back,
And not two only. Five kids, five dogs, cats,
Rats, and one green lizard stayed awhile.

"Illegitimi non carbornundum"
Not a bad motto when daily life grinds on
The spirit. You kept our lives on course,
Kept ideals in view -- what we were living for.

Five children grown and gone, just visits now,
Jut Pip, best of dogs, to share our days.
Too quiet? Not likely here at East Wind!
That same good Center that kept our home together
Helps here, too.

Today a youngish woman called you beautiful.
She's right, of course, though I don't say it much.
Her beauty, being young, is mostly genes
And eathing right, a gift of those who raised her.
Yours comes from within.

Friend, lover, partner of my life,
I am so very thankful for that bright
June day we said our vows at Coal Creek,
And thankful we both meant them.