Songs for Sundry Occasions

Agoo, Agoo—April, 2005

(to the tune Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho from “Snow White and…”)

By Jack O’Brien

Agoo, agoo,
We’re off to make some glue!
So get a horse’s hoof of course,
Agoo, agoo, agoo…

Agoo, agoo,
My favorite color’s blue
I look so smart in my pony cart
Agoo, agoo!

On top of the Dryer-April 2005

(to the tune On Top of Spaghetti)

On top of the dryer
All covered with clothes
I lost my dear grandson
‘Neath his grandpa’s hose!

He came from the washtub
All scrubbed and so clean
But now he is missing
On our thumping machine!

Agoo, Agoo, I’d love to Marry You- May 2005

(Original melody, to my knowledge)

Agoo, agoo,
I’d love to marry you.
But you’re so small,
And I’m so tall,
So we’ll go off to the Firemen’s Ball!
And dance the whole night through,
‘Til your toes do turn blue.
Then run away
In a horse drawn sleigh
And skip the streets of old Marseilles!

Silly Billy-July 2005

(To the Tune of Pretty Baby)

Everybody wants a Billy
That’s why I’m in love with you.
Silly Billy
We met in Philly.
Oh, I’d love to meet your mother, father, sister, brother, too!
Silly Billy
You’re such a dilly!

Won’t you cuddle up a little bit closer to me,
Sing me a sweet melody.
Yes, I’d love to have a Billy and I’m hoping that it’s you!
Silly Billy…
We met in Philly…
You’re such a dilly…
I love you rilly…
You’re mine!

The Mayoral Songs-October, 2005

(Sung to Why O, Did I Leave Ohio)

Why oh Mayor Rybak,
Did I drop my zwieback?
It breaks my heart and my back,
When I lose my zwieback!

Why oh Mayor Kelly
Is my belly jelly?
I feel like I’m in Delhi,
When my belly’s not well-y!

Tick, tock-November 2005

(Original tune, to my knowledge)

Tick, tock, tick, tock,
I would like to ride this clock
Around my house on Beechwood block
And sail it to my grandpa’s dock!

Stroller Song-November 2005

(Original tune, to my knowledge)

In my stroller I can see
The sidewalk and a leafless tree.
I hear my mother call, “Hey Jack,
“Do you want to sit up, would you rather lie back?”
Do you want to sit up or do you want to lie back!

In my stroller I’m a king,
I love to hear my mother sing
My grandma’s songs that make no sense
But chronicle my life’s events.
They chronicle my life’s events.

I my stroller I parade
O’er hill and dale
Through sun and shade.
I smile at folks and to them bade
Some gingersnaps and lemonade!
My gingersnaps and lemonade.

In my stroller when it rains
My mom seals me in cellophane
I then survey my wide domain
Through my rumpled, crumpled windowpane.
A rumpled, crumpled windowpane!

In my stroller when it snows
My mother starts to go so slow.
I wish she’d hook up bucks and does,
And we’d soar o’er the roofs below!
Yes, we’d soar o’er the roofs below.

My Motor-December 2005

(original, based on Jack’s new mouth flutters!)

Last week I got a motor
Puh, puh, puh! (blow through closed lips, lower lip out)
It spins my heli rotor
Puh, puh, puh!

Now I’m a speedy boater
Puh, puh, puh!
Who skims across the water
Puh, puh, puh!

Don’t think I am a gloater
Puh, puh, puh!
Just ‘cause I got my motor
Puh, puh, puh!

So grab your coat and toter
Puh, puh, puh!
And we’ll fly through Minnesot-er
Puh, puh, puh!

I Should Crawl - December 2005

(an original [or familiar?] tune)

I know I should crawl to my ball, tralee!
Instead I keep spinning 360 degrees.
Then lick grandma’s floor for some quick energy,
And lift up my head and cry for your mercy.

My gramps holds my feet and then he urges me
To push with my hands and my bended knee
And shuffle along with alacrity.
But I start to laugh and collapse on three!

Read to Me, History?- December 2005

(original tune)

My Mom and my Dad read a book that advised
If I’m to be eloquent, learn-ed and wise,
Then I should be read to, in prose and in verse
This they told my gramps (who is somewhat perverse).

Gramps started all right, with “Goodnight, Moon”, good night
And Pat the Runaway Bunny, funny!
But he said to me, Jack O’B , history
Is where it is at, so lie here with me.

And we’ll read the works of Pliny the Younger
To start feeding your intellectu-al hunger
Then

Jack O’Brien Theme Song (1) 

Jack O’Brien
He’s a lion
Never cryin’
Never sighin’

Like Orion
In the skyin’
He’s a flyin’
Jackie-joo, joo, joo!

Jack O’Brien Theme Song (2)

John Ignatius
Oh my gracious
He’s voracious
A real nut-cascious!

He’s audacious
He’s tenacious,
John Ignatius,
Johnny joo, joo, joo!

………………….

The Elder Scholar’s Task is Burdensome

In Honor of Jack Hoeschler’s 65th Birthday

February 4 2007

(Tune: A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One by Gilbert and Sullivan)

When Jack Hoeschler’s not engaged in his employment (his employment)
Or working for Viterbo or the Guthrie (Guthrie)
You will find him sneaking peeks for his enjoyment (his enjoyment)
Not at ladies but of books on history (history).

Herodotus or Pliny or Ms. Tuchman
Hoeschler feels obliged to read each history tome (history tome)
Emporiums he leaves with piles of books, not just one
For the elder scholar’s task is burdensome.

Hoeschler feels obliged to read each history tome, history tome
For the elder scholar’s task is burdensome (burdensome).

When our grandson joins his BaPa in his bed, in his bed
Pat the Bunny or Goodnight Moon aren’t in sight, aren’t in sight
But some tales of Wellington and Fawkes are read, are read
Jack O’Brien finds Lord Nelson pure delight (pure delight).

Now don’t think that Hoeschler is so singleminded, singleminded
Reading hist’ry and neglecting his poor wife, his poor wife
Architecture volumes alternate with science, yes with science
Breaking up his shelves and spicing up his life!

Hoeschler feels obliged to read each history tome, history tome
For the elder scholar’s task is burdensome (burdensome).

……………….

A May Day Poem for Kristen
From her Mother 

May 1, 2007

At last it’s May
With April’s past-
tense nasty days
In amber cased.

Summer, 2008

Will O’B

(tune: Little Butterfly)

I’m called little Will O’B
Sweet little Will O’B
Dear little Will O’B I.

I don’t want a pill to be
Want you to thrill to me
Sing me a sweet lullaby.

I walk in a sling-aling
And sleep in a swing-aling
My parents don’t want me to cry.

But when in a dither
My lips start to quiver
And out comes a bellowing cry!

Dear little Will O’B I!

Summer, 2008

I Got my Guy with Me

(tune: “Got the Horse Right Here” from Guys and Dolls)

I’ve got my guy with me
His name is Will O’B
He’s a 12 pound lunk
And only 2 foot three.

Oh Will O’B
You’re just the guy for me!

He’s got a crooked grin
He plays the mandolin
Serenades his bro
With tales of Rin Tin Tin.

Oh Will O’B
You’re life’s sweet harmony!

February, 2009

William the Worm

(original tune)

I’m William the worm
And I wiggle and squirm
Across the kitchen floor.

I push up my chest
And head for the West
Through Nonna’s patio door, oh! 

I reach with my hands
Across the land
While strengthening my core.

Then I bend a knee
And heave heartily
So I can see some more, oh
So I can see some more!

March 30, 2009

The Commando Crawl

(original tune)

Oh my name ain’t Rambo
But I do the Commando Crawl! (whish, whish, whish)

I’m the fastest creeper
From Manassas to St. Paul. (whish etc)

With a toodle-oo
And a grunt or two
My slither will swifter the floor for you.

Yes, my name ain’t Rambo

But I do the Commando Crawl!

………………..

Introduction to Happy Birthday

(written on the occasion of William O’Brien’s numero uno birthday, June 3, 2009) 

Three-sixty five days we have waited
For this day to be celebrated
Our Will O’B’s ONE!
A charming grand-son
A family home run—

Now sing out and show you’re elated—
He was created!

(Happy Birthday to you, etc.)

……………….

Richard, Richard…

(sung to the tune of “Inchworm, Inchworm”

Words by Cecily Morse (with a few by Linda Hoeschler)

Arrows up--pass to the North
Arrows down—pass to the South
East is shaped a little like an egg
West looks a little like an hour glass.

Richard, Richard
Can we sail in that narrow place?
It looks so very tight
Are you absolutely sure?

Richard, Richard
Can you fix the shower pump?
Also, when we heel to port
The seacock’s not secure!

Richard, Richard
Can we fly the jenniker?
Do we need to reef the sail?
Or just keep in the range?

Richard, Richard
Is the anchor set just right
Should we have the motor on
In case the wind should change?

Richard, Richard
Will you come to visit us?
Minnesota’s full of Swedes
Rhode Island has the sea!

Richard, Richard
You showed us Sweden at its best
We are sad to leave these shores
And your great company!

…………………

You’re the Top: DR, Jr.!

(Music by Cole Porter; Lyrics by Linda L. Hoeschler)

July 19, 2011 Mariehamn performance by Amarone Voyage of the Vikings crew:

Alan and Cecily Morse, Jack and Linda Hoeschler, Fritz Hoeschler and Terry O’Brien

You’re the top--

Of the 3rd leg Vikings!

Fleet of 5

On a trip we’re liking.

You’re the Northern light

of Midsommer’s Night

A stuga in Sandhamn.

You’re a salmon run

A cardamom bun

You’re lingonberry jam!

JOKE: Ole and Lena got married.  On their honeymoon they were nearing Stockholm when Ole put his hand on Lena’s knee.  Giggling, Lena said, “Ole you can go a little farther now if ya vant to.”  So Ole drove to Uppsala.

You’re the braid

on a Swedish moppet

You’re the grade

of the Vasaloppet

You’re the Nobel Prize

Greta Garbo’s eyes

An Ingmar Bergman reel—

You’re rye-crisp crackers

Elke Sommer’s knockers

You’re the Seventh Seal!

JOKE: Ole and Lena went to the Olympics.  While sitting on a bench a lady turned to Ole and said, “Are you a pole vaulter?”  Ole said, “No, I’m a Swede...and my name isn’t Valter.”

You’re the lilt

of a Swedish schottische

Falun red

on a Mora cottage

You’re both Svea and Goth

Selma Lagerlöf

Carl Gustaf’s girly show--

You’re a smörgåsbord

The Tyresö fjord

The Archi-pel-ago!

JOKE: Lena called the airline information desk and asked, “How long does it take to fly from Gothenburg to Stockholm?”  “Just a minute,” said the operator.  “Vell,” said Lena, “if it has to go dat fast, I tink I’ll just take da bus.”

Lars:  “Ole, stand in front of my car and tell me if da turn signals are working”.  Ole:  “Yes, No, Yes, No, Yes, No...”

You’re the long

of Pippi’s stocking

You are Moberg’s

Emigranten

CHANT:

You are Kosta Boda

Orrefors and Volvo

You are Jussi Björling

You’re the Bernadotte sterling

You’re Ingrid Bergman’s face

You’re Björn Borg’s ace

You’re a blue and yellow banner

You’re Drottningholm manor

You are prawns with mayo

You’re a Strindberg play-o

You’re Abba’s Mama Mia!

You’re the meatballs at Ikea

SING:

You’re a Dala horse or two--

So Tak så mycket, David

We thank you!

………………

FAREWELL TO JESUS!

Performed in Havana, Cuba, January 28, 2011

Words: Linda Lovas Hoeschler

Tune: “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie”

Jesus, it’s true, when we say: “We’ll miss you!”
It’s so hard, to say: “Goodbye!”
Many a journey may follow--
Without you, though, our hearts are hollow.

So, take care, mon cher, ‘til we meet you
At a Stateside or a Cuba rendezvous.
You gave us insights every day,
As we laughed each mile away…

We’ll dream in blue
Of our dear Jesus!

…………………….

The More We are with Daddy, the Happier We’ll Be

December 14, 2014

For Terry O’Brien, turning 48!

The more we camp together, go hiking, exploring
The more we’re out in nature, the happier we’ll be.
The bugbites, the sweating, the sunburns, the blisters
The more we camp together, we’re a close family.

The more we play together, throw footballs, kick soccer balls,
The more you teach lacrosse skills, the better we’ll be.
The missed goals, no defense, the dropped stick, the bruises,
The more you teach us game skills, the happier we’ll be.

The more you teach us history, the battles, the tactics,
The more we visit landmarks, the smarter we’ll be.
We don’t seem to hear you, but we like being near you,
We’ll learn your history lessons and the best sons we’ll be!

AND THE HAPPIER WE’LL BE!

…………………..

October 1, 2015, Kristen’s 47th Birthday

Cuddles and kisses and rubbing our sore backs,
And when we’re injured you’re quick with the ice packs.
You’re the best mother we ever could dream,
Happy Day Mom, you’re our Cake and Ice Cream!

You work so hard both at Pinehurst and Trend,
Stickers and charts are supplied without end.
You are our Alpha, Omega, the best—
Happiest birth-day the Queen of our nest!

You help with violin, and Legos and swimming,
Soccer and reading—our brains are all brimming.
You’re our first teacher, the best of the best!
Happy day Mom, take a bow and a rest…

When the cake’s gone,
When the flame’s out,
When we’re feeling down,
We’ll simply remember this meal and this day,
And smile ‘cause you wear our crown!

………………..=

To Papa on his 75th!

Sung by Jack and William O’Brien, February 4, 2017

We’d do anything--for
Pops—to you we sing
For you mean everything, to us!

We’re ready to:

Wrest-le anywhere
Be flipped by our fav-rite bear
Take pins that are genr’ly fair
Love snares! And

On any trips:

We go hap-pily
To hear your lectures free
To learn facts taught in 3’s
By Pops! (You’re our Einstein!)

Would we take a train,
Or a horse!
Fly an aeroplane
But of course!
Sail through Sweden’s rain?
We are Norse!
While you fill our brains- with
A history course.

A diamond in the rough
You can be sometimes tough
But in your bod so buff
Your heart --is true to us!

We’ll risk life and limb
To keep you in the swim
Yes, we’ll do anything
Anything?
Anything for Pops!!!

………………….

For KBH in hospital

April 21, 2017

Now it’s our turn to start rubbing your sore back
When you get home we’ll be quick with the ice packs
You’re the best sprinter we ever could race
But we’re so sorry you’re stuck in this place!
You work so hard both at Pinehurst and Trend,
Stickers and charts are supplied without end.
You are our Alpha, Omega, the best—
When you’re back home you’re the Queen of our nest!

You help with violin, and Legos and swimming
Soccer and reading—our brains are all brimming.
You’re our first teacher, the best of the best!
Now you are getting a well-deserved rest…

When you’re in pain,
When PT’s hard,
When you’re feeling down
Just simply remember your boys and this song,
And smile ‘cause you wear this crown!

……………………….

76th Birthday-Song for Papa

February 4, 2018

(Sung to “76 Trombones”)

Seventy-six great years has our Papa lived-
A thousand and more good deeds has he logged!
He’s admired by tens and tens of Minnesota citizens
For his aid to arts and underdogs.

Seventy-six fine toasts do we now proffer
Ninety and ten cake lights in the wings
Hoping for years and years full of laughter, full of tears
Hold on Pops, you’re our eternal King!

There are history sites of import spread around the world,
Inspiring, conspiring our merry band to see--
First class seats and tours complete await us all,
Learning lots, crossing o’er land and sea!

There are shelves and shelves of books in your fine library
Begging, calling us to read them all.
Authors who are very wise with hefty tomes of every size
And Pops there to guide us, lest we stall!

……………………….

For Terry O’Brien’s Birthday

December 15, 2017

You say:
It’s not a big deal that you’re 51 years old today;

We say:
We’d like to agree but there are signs of aging we see:

There’s the gout,
And remember the hip, but otherwise you’re…fairly fit;
So be glad and
Remember, despite our wise-cracks: We’re your guys!

We’ve got your back
Without fuss.
So remember you belong to us!
In Lacrosse
Soccer, too
We will listen to our best coach—YOU!
Sails ahoy!
Ducks that fall!
We remain a unit through it all--
And when push
Comes to shove
Jack and William will defend you to the death
To remind you of our love!

…………………..

For Kristen Bowe Hoeschler O’Brien on her 49th birthday

October 1, 2017

You can dance
You can jive
Making the moves of your life--Ooh
See our mom
Watch that scene
Dig her the dancing queen!

Friday night and the lights were low
In the Science Museum show, She
tried to out-run the dino
Wanted to make our minds-blow
Impress us so.
Few moms would try this pace
But we urged her to race
From the blocks she leaped
Landing in a heap, It was
a tragic tale…

But now she’s hearty hale!

She is the dancing queen
Strong and fine
Merely 49!
Dancing queen
Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah
You can dance
You can jive
Please have the time of your life--ooh
See our Mom
Watch that scene, She
is our dancing queen!!!

………………..

Gloria Sewell’s Fiftieth Birthday Party Sing Along

(March 29, 2018)

Rise and Shine

Rise and shine, and three cheers for Glori-Gloria!
Rise and shine, and three cheers for Glori-Gloria!
Rise and shine, and three cheers for Glori-Gloria!
Friends and family here!

“Gloria”

We have come to celebrate
One we think is really great!
So with voice, string, flute and gong-
Let’s all sing this birthday song:

Glo-ri-a, Gloria is (fifty!) eighty!
Glo-ri-a, (Cheers to someone nifty!) Cheers to our dear matey!

In a walk, a skip or dash,
Gloria’s great at raising cash!
As an impresario
She can really make things go!

Glo-ri-a, Gloria is eighty!
Glo-ri-a, Cheers to our dear matey!

“The Gloria Shove: A Fundraising Technique”

(Tune: The Glory of Love)

She’s known to beg a little, take a little,
And let our piggybanks break a little.
That’s the story of, that’s The Gloria Shove.

She’s known to pry a little, cry a little,
Then even gasp and roll her eyes a little,
That’s the story of, that’s The Gloria Shove.

As long as M-P-R is real,
“Live from Landmark,” Schubert Club and Larks,
Our Glo will push to make a deal
From bonds, stocks or cash she’ll help you part.

Then you will wail a little, rail a little,
And take her Glor-ious name in vain a little!
That’s the story of, that’s The Gloria Shove. 

Glow, Little Gloria!

Glow! Little Gloria, glimmer, glimmer,
Rise! Morning Gloria, shimmer, shimmer.
Lead us lest too far we wander,
Birthday candles lighting yonder.

Glow! Little Gloria, glimmer, glimmer,
Rise! Morning Gloria, shimmer, shimmer,
Light the path above, around:
Warm wishes do abound!

………………..

KBH 50th

September 24, 2018

If you just knit hats in your rocking chair
Life’s joys and cares will pass-
Yet those who race the dinosaurs
Risk falling on their (ask your Nonna what it’s called)

For living is a balance act ‘tween safety and some tears
At 50 you’re both wise and fun
Half to one-hundred years!

Just know, Jack and William love you,
Truly do adore you,
Wrinkles and all! (We love ‘em, keep ‘em coming!)
Out there, midst massage and facials,
We think you’re a beauty
Strong and tall! (You said it!)

When you’re--feeling slightly creaky
You’re not getting weakly
You’re a babe! (please par-don our French!)
20-68’s not far
So keep your style (your gorgeous smile)
For Jack and William really do adore you
From the day we met you we adored you
Jack and William love you-- (wrinkles) and all!
Wrinkles and all!

………………….

What to Sing for Uncle Fritz Retirement party?!

October 16, 2018

Jack: Hey, William, I’ve had a few ideas for farewell songs for Uncle Fritz’ retirement.

William: So lay it on me, Jack.

Jack: Here’s my first idea:

1.     “Over There, Over There, Send the word, send the word: over there…

Uncle Fritz is coming…”

William: No, no, no: that’s a World War I song that Uncle John and Aunt Laura used to sing about their service in the Marines.

Jack: So how about:

2.     “Off he goes, into the wild blue yonder,

Climbing High, into the Sun!”

William: No, not that either. Although it’s the Air Force song, Uncle Fritz IS retiring.

Jack: We need to remember that this week is Uncle Fritz’ and Aunt Julia’s 20th wedding anniversary, so how about:

3.     “Once in love with Julia, She won our hearts, no fool-ya…”

William: Aunt Julia is the best, but this is not her night (although she did most of the work!).

Jack: Oh now I’m inspired:

4.     “Wherever we go, whatever we do, we’ll always be flying Endeavor!

We want to fly far, and sure as a star, we’ll join Uncle Fritz on Endeavor!”

William: Well, that’s a little better, but we’re still missing it. We need to thank Uncle Fritz for all the hard and often dangerous work he did on behalf of us and our country.

Jack: You’re right. Let’s think of our time with the family in Sweden 2 years ago. We all went nuts over those great Swedish singers ABBA. So let’s try this together, William:

Thank you for your service, the years you’ve given,
Thank you, Fritz, for the hardships of your livin’
Could we thrive without you, we ask, in all honesty…
What would life be?
Your 22 years helped keep many free.
So we say, Thank you for your service.
The greatest gift to me!
So we say, Thank you for your service.
The greatest gift to me! (and you and all of us!)

………………… 

Jack Hoeschler’s 77th Birthday Song

(to Helsa Dem Darhemma)

Stars above are shining bright
Comets blaze this moonlit night
Nature celebrates the birth
Of Papa on this day.
St Paul City grants his wish
Knowing he’ll outlive Ms. Kisch
Tax refunds will everflow
A birthday gift to Pops.

Happy birthday, Papa
Happy birthday, Jack
We’re your favorite grandsons,
We’ll always have your back!
We’re so glad we have you
Teaching history plus
Buying books aplenty
Museums are a must!

Seven decades working hard
Seven bonus years award
Time to travel even more
With us your loving boys!
Egypt, Auckland, Turkey, Greece
London, Paris, even Nice
We’ll carry bags, we’ll carry you--
You’re our emotional glue!

……………………..

For Jack Hoeschler’s 78th Birthday!

February 4, 2020

(Sung to: “5 foot 2, Eyes of Blue…”)

7-8
Ain’t it great?
One more year to celebrate!
It’s Papa’s birth-day we all hail!

Old skis and boots, 
What a hoot!
Fashion ne’er his strongest suit!
Still… Papa beats us on the trail!

So if you

Run into:
A 6-foot-2
Draped in cashmere,
Custom clothes-
Botox nose-
You can bet that’s not our pere!

But can he teach!
Can he preach!
He’s our Einstein on the Beach!
So, Papa here’s to 10 more years!

 (We love you deeply)

Papa: here’s to 10 more years!

            (Plus, plus and plus!)

………………………………..

Linda’s 12-minute adaptive song on her 76th birthday

Tune: “Puttin’ on the Ritz!”

It’s my birthday but I don’t know where to go
So I’ll just go where my heart sits and
Party with my kids!

Other folks might book their jets or cast their nets
Without their pets
But not Nonna—she’ll party with her kids!

Dressed up like an aging but game trooper
Trying hard to look as good as Cooper--
Super duper!

So let’s join hands and hug and kiss and sing
Celebrate our health midst Covid-ing
That’s our shtick so--
Party with my kids!

……………………..

Song for Papa on His 79th Birthday

(Tune: “You Make Me Feel So Young”)

You always seem so young,
At 7-9 your springs hain’t sprung:
On skis you glide, on skates you spin
You’re such a champion in-dividual…

When you begin to speak
Facts shower us, you’re one smart geek! 
We never tire of our Pops
You are the tops—non-stop!

You and we
Are just a trio of fun
Skiing, skating and hikes
Let’s next try some off-road bikes!

You make us glad to age
We’re catching up, don’t turn the page:
There’s travels to take,
More friendships and mem-ries to make--

And even when we’re old and gray
We’re gonna love you as we do today.
Cause your mind is still young
You’re body’s not done,
You’re 7-9 young—Hooray!

……………………………

For Papa on his 80th…

February 4, 2022

Lyrics by LLH; Tune: Warts and All from “Honk”

Premiered A-cappella at the Minneapolis Club by Jack and William O’Brien

If you just sat back in your rocking chair
Life’s joys and cares would pass…
But you lived for adventure
So risked falling on your (Ask our Nonna what it’s called!)

Our Papa’s lived a balance act
Tween scholarship and sports
At 80 he’s both smart and strong
The best coach and support!

Just know, Jack and William love you
Really do adore you,
Lectures and all (we love ‘em; Keep ‘em coming).
Skiing, skating at the cabin
Flying fast at Snowmass
You’re a ball (of fire!)

When you’re—feeling slightly creaky
You’re not getting weakly
You’re a stud (please pardon our French!)

Some-times
It takes a bit to ‘learn’ us,
But with you we have a ball—

For Jack and William really do adore you
From the day we met you we adored you
Jack and William love you—

Lectures and all!

Edits and all!

Lectures and all!

…………………………..

Under the Back Deck

For Orion Hoeschler 

Born June 2, 2020

In old Hastings town on the banks of the Mississippi
Eurayale* made a rough nest for a new delivery
Under a back deck, she lay down and yielded 3-eeee
Little baby kits, one became our treasury!

Under the back deck, she first licked them right
Under the back deck, she nursed day and night
Under the back deck, with their eyes shut tight
Under the back deck, they seemed out of sight!
Under the back deck, back deck!

Then the owners heard Eurayale and her trio
So they called the local SPCA bureau
Who took the kitties to be raised by kindly strangers
Eurayale ran, forever mourning as she wanders.

*Eurayale—pron. yoor-EYE-a-lee; the daughter of Minos and mythical mother of Orion