THE MENOMINEE By Lee Olsen > It was an ominous February morning in the thick cedar swamps of Wisconsin, sultry, misty, and so cold that no bird would sing. The snow was scattered over the earth. The high, cold wind that held up the low grey clouds wheezed through the crests of trees. A distant... Show moreTHE MENOMINEE By Lee Olsen > It was an ominous February morning in the thick cedar swamps of Wisconsin, sultry, misty, and so cold that no bird would sing. The snow was scattered over the earth. The high, cold wind that held up the low grey clouds wheezed through the crests of trees. A distant squeal penetrated the air, and then a muffled laughing- bark of a red fox. The fragrance of sweet cedar, pitch, wet wood, and old skins half-scraped of fat was captured between a circle of heavy cedar and evergreen. Sitting quietly at the foot of a huge hemlock was an old Indian. His thin face was weather—wrinkled and tan, his old chest sunk inward beneath his coat, which was greased through the years by his own body. His lips, drawn tightly together, were grooved and wrinkled as bark, and formed in a weak smile. His small, blood- shot eyes were staring upon a huge burnt—out log, his sleeping place, and upon the small bushy hut, inwardly lined with cat and deer hides. Perhaps his long grey hair, stuck with pitch and scattered with specks of bark, and tangled as a bittersweet vine, warmed his somewhat pale and ghastly face. A sharpened prong of ' antler, wedged in an overused shaft, lay at his feet. His legs and lap were covered with a thick blanket, crudely woven from long strips of the hides of many snowshoes. On the old Indian's face was the frozen expression of his last words, spoken only to himself: “That is good, my son, you shall catch, and eat, and be filled.” At these last words he had been thinking of the Green Bay where the sturgeon would bask in the sun-warmed shallows and slither up the creeks. =13, Show less
The wind blew another tired breath that crept along the earth floor. Strips of dark, frozen rabbit meat hung like icicles from a cedar branch. The old man still sat quietly, as he had sat yesterday, and the day before--frozen and breathless. To you I'm a fraud. . . Who smiles and Gives laud To... Show moreThe wind blew another tired breath that crept along the earth floor. Strips of dark, frozen rabbit meat hung like icicles from a cedar branch. The old man still sat quietly, as he had sat yesterday, and the day before--frozen and breathless. To you I'm a fraud. . . Who smiles and Gives laud To your prowesses. Do I contain any of the magical Fluid called Truth? ? "I'm sorry, no, " You say with your eyes. Then, Pity me And do not despise. Place a penny in my cup That I might Buy the Truth From you. Betty Hanson R E C O G N I T IO N For them to know and care, Revolver to his head, shot; Aghast all cried, "My God!" And then forgot. Arlan Oftedahl -14- Show less
THE DEMOCRATIC TEAM By John R. Hugo "I like you, Richards, but you need discipline. I. don't know—-maybe you don't realize what you're doing. Do you? Listen, you're bucking the tide; you're running wild-—comp1etely wild! We've got a good team running here. We get things done. We're making money.... Show moreTHE DEMOCRATIC TEAM By John R. Hugo "I like you, Richards, but you need discipline. I. don't know—-maybe you don't realize what you're doing. Do you? Listen, you're bucking the tide; you're running wild-—comp1etely wild! We've got a good team running here. We get things done. We're making money. Now don't try to upset the apple cart!” James Richards, a young man in an ivy league suit, sat gritting his teeth. His fingers clenched his knees until his knuckles glowed white. “Our office is the embodiment of democracy, ” continued Matthews, the head of the department. "When individuals come in with the idea that they're great, we have to train them or let them go. You've got to settle down and get into the swing of things. Now what are you going to do?" Richards sat quietly and then looked up at the dynamic bulk that was his superior, and said, “I believe I‘m right, you know. I wish you would explain what I'm doing wrong. We're wasting money by making thermofax copies of every order for every man in the department. They cost seven cents apiece. Nobody reads them; they all end up in the burner. Why do we have to waste all the time and money?” Matthews looked startled. He answered in a heavy, dog- matic tone, “We are a team, and every member of the team has to know what plays are being made. As long as I am captain, we're not going to have anybody running the wrong way down the field. I've got organization and I'm not going to lose it! “ -15- Show less
Richards remained silent. His head moved minutely from side to side as if registering a faint protest. Mat- thews waited for a response. "Well!" said Matthews. "Are you playing on the team or are you going to turn spectator?” Richards thought a moment and then timidly answered, "I need my job.... Show moreRichards remained silent. His head moved minutely from side to side as if registering a faint protest. Mat- thews waited for a response. "Well!" said Matthews. "Are you playing on the team or are you going to turn spectator?” Richards thought a moment and then timidly answered, "I need my job. But I'm just wondering about the members of the team who aren't on the field. " The use of his own metaphor by his employee seemed to stun Matthews. He retorted, "Well, I'm going to give you time to think it over. It's either my way or not at all. We're a team in this department! I'll bring it up again at the department meeting this after- noon. I expect an answer one way or another. Good- bye!" Matthews thundered out of the room somewhat like a tank evacuating a garage. Richards threw his gold pen at the closed door. "Damn you! " he called out in a subdued voice. "Team! Democracy! You throw the words around as if they were cheap imitations. " He went over to a bar, which was standard equipment in Matthew's string of offices. He figeted with the basics of a beef—eater martini, muttering trite vulgar- isms throughout the process. After drinking the cocktail, he sat at his typewriter. He spoke aloud as he typed, "Mr. Matthews, members of the department. After much careful thought, I have come to a conclusion. First, however, I feel that I must give the reasons for my decision. I need this job. It pays well and the hours are right for a young family man. My office is very comfortable, my secretary is -16- Show less
one of the best, and you are all fine persons to work with. All this, beside the fact that I like the work I'm doing, makes me want to stay here with you. " Richards sat quietly thinking. He went to the bar again and made the same martini spiced with the same pro— fanity. Then he returned to his... Show moreone of the best, and you are all fine persons to work with. All this, beside the fact that I like the work I'm doing, makes me want to stay here with you. " Richards sat quietly thinking. He went to the bar again and made the same martini spiced with the same pro— fanity. Then he returned to his typewriter. "This is not the first time I have been confronted with the decision of remaining or resigning. Six months ago my wife persuaded me to stay after Mr. Matthews said that I wasn't conforming. A month later my father-in-law insisted that I either adjust or he would repossess my wife. Four months ago Simmons, one of the older members of the team, managed to get me to stay. Two months ago my secretary cried until I sub— mitted. Last month my minister smart—talked me into staying after I was again told that I wasn‘t playing ball. " Richards interrupted himself again, and he again made his pilgrimage to the bar. After drinking some support, he began typing with renewed vigor, but in a rather deliberate manner. "But this month, gentlemen, neither my minister nor all the Saints in Paradise could get me to stay here. I have had enough! My only comment to Mr. Matthews would be a very respectful 'go to hell. ' And as for the rest of you, if you want to be sheep, then go to work in a factory where you destroy the body but not the mind. All you can do here is slowly rot your head from the inside out. You're all turning stagnant, dis- eased!" Richards stopped typing and tore out the sheet of paper. He held it before him and continued his speech. "So that each member of this rather unique 'demo- cratic' team will know which way this member is -17- Show less
running, I have gone to considerable expense to provide you each with a thermo—fax copy of my original speech. One for you, Simmons. Oh, Simmons, would you mind passing out one for each of the other sheep? Ihave saved one for myself and one for my secretary. I don't want the company to have to... Show morerunning, I have gone to considerable expense to provide you each with a thermo—fax copy of my original speech. One for you, Simmons. Oh, Simmons, would you mind passing out one for each of the other sheep? Ihave saved one for myself and one for my secretary. I don't want the company to have to foot the bill, for I'm sure that your inefficiency will eventually send the owners to bankruptcy, so here is fourteen cents, Mr. Matthews. Be sure to put it on the credit side of the ledger! So long, sheep! " Richards sat back comfortably, a broad smile on his face. He then proceeded to make thermo-fax copies of the newly transcribed decision. Just as he was finishing, a voice came through the door, "Hey, Richards, are you ready?” Richards called back, "In a minute, Simmons. In a. minute!” He left the office and walked into the large conference room in which were seated Matthews and the rest of the department. As he was sitting down, Matthews addressed him, "I have briefed the other members of the department. Have you made a decision?” Richards checked himself and answered that he had. Then he began reading from the original copy, “Mr. Matthews, members of the department. After much careful thought, I have come to a conclusion--I will do my best to adjust and become a more integral part of the 'team. ' “ As Richards sank dismally to his chair, Matthews spoke to him. "What have you got there, Richards, copies for the members?" -18- Show less
Richards started, and then answered, “Yes Sir but ]. forgot to Sign them. 1‘11 deliver them later. " DEATH UNDYING To the puce pools of the blossoming rose, Their tone so stained by the subjacentface They gleam and glow in the midmorning sun? A kiss of affection: the dew is gone. Gone with an... Show moreRichards started, and then answered, “Yes Sir but ]. forgot to Sign them. 1‘11 deliver them later. " DEATH UNDYING To the puce pools of the blossoming rose, Their tone so stained by the subjacentface They gleam and glow in the midmorning sun? A kiss of affection: the dew is gone. Gone with an obstinance that many have won? Yet more shall come the following morno Don N1 chols DESPAIR Drunkly drooping I reel Upon the rugged chunked granules Of petrified and putrid snow. The stars stareaa Why should they care? I‘m lostaaall the world accuses“: Without the power to do even the wicked. The tears well up But refuse to flow. What is there to live or die for? Bradley Holt :19; Show less
COMMUNION By Carolyn N. Johnson It was early fall, so early that few trees had changed their color from green to that of a glowing sunset. It was evening, the sun still visible but slowly leaving us behind in a night of peace and rest. The step on which I was sitting was one of several made of... Show moreCOMMUNION By Carolyn N. Johnson It was early fall, so early that few trees had changed their color from green to that of a glowing sunset. It was evening, the sun still visible but slowly leaving us behind in a night of peace and rest. The step on which I was sitting was one of several made of cement which had become dull and weather—worn after many years. Green grass and even a bluebell or two had sprung up in the cracks of the steps and along the cracked cement retaining wall on either side. From my position, I could look across the dirt road, over a large marsh lined with birch, maple, oak, cot- tonwood, and rambling bushes, to the far side of the marsh. Standing stately and tall above the other green trees was one, a brilliantly colored maple, unlike its surrounding family and friends in that it had acquired its halo of atumnal hue before any of the others. As I sat pondering the feelings this tree would have if it were able to comprehend its status, I sensed a communion between our spirits. Gazing around me, I witnessed something more than a spiritual communion between the tree and me. The whole atmosphere was saturated with sunlight, as if I were in a room imbued with light. One more ray of light would only have blinded the eyes of my spirit. I could sense the majesty and tranquility of the maple. She had obtained the supreme reward. One more blessing would only have destroyed her sooner. She knew that God had blessed her exceed- ingly but was not vain in the knowledge. She was grateful that her creator had endowed her with the early reward and did not ask or expect any other blessing. She was content, even in the light of the truth that her life would become dormant before those of -21- Show less
her iamily and friends. She had known something that the others would not know tor a time. ..the joy of receiving a reward which she felt she had not deserved. WHAT IS THE PRESENT ? ls the Present but a speck of dust, Atom~=51zed and atom worth? Is the Past a mounting clod of earth, Minute speaks... Show moreher iamily and friends. She had known something that the others would not know tor a time. ..the joy of receiving a reward which she felt she had not deserved. WHAT IS THE PRESENT ? ls the Present but a speck of dust, Atom~=51zed and atom worth? Is the Past a mounting clod of earth, Minute speaks conglomerated into mud? Is the Future but a moteniilled infinity Particle fragments waiting to be drawn Through the eye of Now? Arlan Oftedahl GANT SHIRTS By Janice L. Peterson 1 have found that to be accepted in society today, one must own a Gant shirt. The present Sign of prosperity in the American home is two cars in every garage nad two Gant in every closet. I know of one very prominent businessman who has been rejected from quite an elite country club because they have found he owns no Gants. It is humiliat- ing. really. Of course, we all know what a Gant is: an ex— pensive shirt with a loop on the back and stitching on the cuff. It may seem in51gnificant to some that so much emphasis is placed on a loop and a little stitching, but a shirt with these characteristics will get its owner into any establishment he chooses. Why, it's getting so that one no longer shows his 523;, Show less
identification card to enter a night club, but rather turns around and displays the loop on the back of his Gant shirt. It has been said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but this is no longer true. The way to win a man's heart nowadays is to wear a Gant. I have a girl friend... Show moreidentification card to enter a night club, but rather turns around and displays the loop on the back of his Gant shirt. It has been said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but this is no longer true. The way to win a man's heart nowadays is to wear a Gant. I have a girl friend who is engaged to a handsome, brilliant student of medicine. How did she get him? Not by cooking delicious meals for him, that's for sure. It is because she has hanging in a long row in her closet twenty promises of happiness, twenty safeguards to success. You guessed it--twenty Gant shirts. IT DOES NOT MATTER A chipmunk frisked on white oak brush With jerks and articulate chatters, And stood, arms forth, and looked and said, "This house is mine, and who are you?“ What he said little matters. Over a white oak branch he lay dead, His lustrous fur messed on the bark, His body hot, lNVO glass bead eyes, His bowels in the air from a belly mark. Lee Olsen -23- Show less
CRUCIFIXUS "God is dead!” He bore our grief And buried sorrow's Cold release. "God is dead!” He crucified The hot and frightened Rebel-pride. "God is dead!” The devil shook, and Quaked at God's Cosmic joke! Kathy 01 5 en Comfort me with child—loving (I'm a little waif) When gentleness excites a... Show moreCRUCIFIXUS "God is dead!” He bore our grief And buried sorrow's Cold release. "God is dead!” He crucified The hot and frightened Rebel-pride. "God is dead!” The devil shook, and Quaked at God's Cosmic joke! Kathy 01 5 en Comfort me with child—loving (I'm a little waif) When gentleness excites a risk, Ambivalence is cliafe. Pounding beat and pussyfoot In a single soul: Need of love is fear of losing, Need I so the Whole. Anonymous -25- Show less
2/23/63, or IF EMILY DICKINSON CAN DO IT, WHY CAN'T I? As I. was Hopping down the stairs Both feet together, Or two at a time Which means Like I was six again with long braids except that I never had any braids at all Even When I was six, I. encountered a thing Which was suspiciously like Spring... Show more2/23/63, or IF EMILY DICKINSON CAN DO IT, WHY CAN'T I? As I. was Hopping down the stairs Both feet together, Or two at a time Which means Like I was six again with long braids except that I never had any braids at all Even When I was six, I. encountered a thing Which was suspiciously like Spring or Lemon custard in a spoon the Consistency and flavor and plunkness not to be liked especially but to be eaten anyway And almost green. And I was mildly intrigued But my French instructor told Me that it was Only an Elephant (L, L. D. ) On the floor and why should that bother me So I braidless went on Hopping down the steps Two feet together One stair at a time until A guy threw a snowball past my cheek. Mary Cogelow -26- Show less
DISENCHANTMENT Who killed the shining armoured knight And laid him in his grave to rust? Who ruined and razed his castle wall? Alas, 'tis now debris and dust. Who slew his great white noble steed And left him in the field to rot? And who defiled his snow pure maid, And lily white without a spot?... Show moreDISENCHANTMENT Who killed the shining armoured knight And laid him in his grave to rust? Who ruined and razed his castle wall? Alas, 'tis now debris and dust. Who slew his great white noble steed And left him in the field to rot? And who defiled his snow pure maid, And lily white without a spot? Can it be Time whose spear was thrust? Did its feet grind the mossen stones to dust? Was it the ravager so filled with lust That shatte red all the dreams that children trust? Arlan Oftedahl NIGHT ON ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL I hear ropes wheezing through the air; They are wings of nighthawks turned downward. Dark skies I see--the gold has melted-- Far away hills and forests, and lights Below in each sick room, And sprinkled across the land. I look for my own window And to my tomorrow. Then I come to my Lord, And see Him When I cry And pray, “Lord. ” Lee Olsen =28- Show less
F‘ ght; One Anytime I fight myself, The winner can't be chose: All of me must win the fight, All of me must lose. Me against myself Is a paralyzing force: As Battleground and friend and foe, I've little room for Choice. Fight; Two Frantic wants and needs disclose an Ought: Insistence and excuses... Show moreF‘ ght; One Anytime I fight myself, The winner can't be chose: All of me must win the fight, All of me must lose. Me against myself Is a paralyzing force: As Battleground and friend and foe, I've little room for Choice. Fight; Two Frantic wants and needs disclose an Ought: Insistence and excuses are Desperate: Recognizing Wrong Is hard to do; Righting is Reverse Of wanting to. «'4 ~14 da do q~ (p ..‘ rp F'ght; Three Being what I am was not enough, And in my desperation did I grasp To cling To what could never be. Sanguine drops may flow, Regrets ride high: Neither washes out Premptory. -29- Show less
F ] ght; F on r In haying but a. part of what I need, I killed the part. (Forced to death might it rise hope in my heart?) So struggle I first to decide, Then to fulfill; For Struggle tears apart us three; Heart, Knowledge, Will. Kathy Olsen Wracks my brain; and frightened, Whirls around my heart... Show moreF ] ght; F on r In haying but a. part of what I need, I killed the part. (Forced to death might it rise hope in my heart?) So struggle I first to decide, Then to fulfill; For Struggle tears apart us three; Heart, Knowledge, Will. Kathy Olsen Wracks my brain; and frightened, Whirls around my heart in a Wild search for Maybe‘s. Clutches at the maybe‘s turn them into dust; And when I find an almost-real, An agony of need becomes an agony of despair. For “Leave me alone!” is "Don‘t go away!” and the fear is of the need. I am the Voice of us crying in the Wilderness, Bewildered, Whirling Searching for a way. o . God, I cannot bear this Wilderness! But Silence Cancels Cry Anonymou s -3oi Show less
WILL YOU STILL. . . ? Another time, another day. . . Another smile, again. . . delay. And yet can I but ask you this: How much of me will you have missed? Another man, another |lfriend, ” Yet can I call this man the end? To speak a "no" is out of place For attraction lies within. . . a face. Thus... Show moreWILL YOU STILL. . . ? Another time, another day. . . Another smile, again. . . delay. And yet can I but ask you this: How much of me will you have missed? Another man, another |lfriend, ” Yet can I call this man the end? To speak a "no" is out of place For attraction lies within. . . a face. Thus, only when my heart consumes all prejudices, fears and dooms, Can I return to you as whole. Then again I find my soul Asking. . . Will you still. . . love me? Betty Hanson The ring is all I have to Remember by; Its remonstrance restrains me from A second cry. In seeing it, I see the pain Of people hurt; Obeying it is ever best, but - -Difficult. . . Anonymous -31- Show less