Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Legacy

My latest project is to transcribe Grandma Atkinson's poetry and short stories (as mentioned in yesterday's blog entry). Today I encountered a poem entitled "Legacy" that surely must reference her own father, Francis Joseph Law, and the legacy he left his four sons and six daughters. Here is that poem, followed by a family portrait of Mabel, her siblings and parents:
He looked around the room and saw his ten--
A few short hours was all he had to live--
He smiled, "Six stately women, four tall men!
To you I leave no lands or gold but give
An honored name on which you each may build
Your cherished castles, live your dreams and find
No breath of scandal that must needs be stilled--
No specters that can haunt your peace of mind;
For though I have but walked the lowly road
My thoughts have been as high as yonder star.
My love has lightened every heavy load;
And I have watched you climb to where you are
Pride in my heart--Now my short trek is ended.
Continue choosing pathways, broad and splendid."
Francis Joseph Law and family:
Back (l-r): Vernon, Reuben, Rozella, Stella, Joseph, Orville
Seated: Myrtle, Mabel, Anine Deem Law, Francis Joseph Law, Nomah, Minerva
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