Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

[Return to Poems and Thoughts index page]

Nora. On this day, seven years ago at 0115 AM, my wife of 31 years passed. This was a dynamic marriage with ups and downs--with most of the former. As with all long term relationships, The memories become more poignant as time passes. We met when Nora stopped by to purchase a Wood Duck, One of many species of wild ducks which I raised on my farm. She always joked that she came to buy a duck And left with the duck and a share in half a llama! As time passed, our experiences became more profound, Commencing with matching our new kitchen colors With soft orange-yellow hughs of a very studied sunset. We continually worked together to manage our farm, Working with chicken and turkey harvesting, To netting catfish, using our 100 foot seine-nets, To gathering vegetables from our one acre chemical-free garden, To raising orphaned emu chicks in our living room! Nora was a world expert linguist in the Breton language. She guided me through her conference trips to Scotland and Ireland, Where I found my own genealogical genetic roots. Her use of continual elevated vocabulary raised my speaking abilities. Her encouragement and support for our Quail Ridge land trust was incalculable. Together, we raised six million dollars and purchased about 2000 acres! This area is now part of the UCD Natural Reserve System; Many thought its success would be absolutely impossible--not so! Beyond this, a Student Endowment is now in a very active, continual place. Nora and I never had children, but she always nurtured my two boys. Her end was finalized with a merciless plague of cancer Which raged throughout her body--she worried most about losing her special mind. This disease ended the life of a most talented person-- Such knowledge and love was lost to the world forever, Except through all those remaining who knew her And continually recount her productive and giving life. (Also on this day in Texas 60 years ago, JF Kennedy was assassinated.) Frank Maurer 22 November 2023 0430 Hours.