Selections from Trella Romine's library at Terradise Nature Center
Ray Romine Poems
Clear, cold, quiet, blanketed
In white, this morning glistens,
And shows to him no sign of life
Who, hungry for it, listens;
Or, seeking it through frosted pane,
Smiles smugly for his labors
At seeing thin high-rising spires–
Smoke signals from his neighbors!
by Ray Romine Tuesday, June 24, 1952
I fear hard work will be my lot,
Despite much ease-pursuing,
For I can’t find exactly what
They’ll pay me for not doing!
by Ray Romine Thursday, November 29, 1951
As a youth my utmost cerebration
Gave me almost no least indication
That the term “‘Ides of March”
Was our skins without starch–
(You and I after taxation).
by Ray Romine Friday, February 9, 1951
This funny fellow is the Penguin;
From the pole I’d like to bringuin.
What a perky little packet
Dressed up in his dinner-jacket!
The strangest thing, though, I have heard
About him is, he is a bird.
*Fin 7-27-48
(Rev. 7-31-51)
by Ray Romine Tuesday, July 27, 1948
I saw an oriole in a tree;
I heard his golden melody.
He winged away reluctantly: —
The sunlight drew away from me.
by Ray Romine Sunday, May 13, 1945
In wild chagrin the ocean roars;
The cascade thunders loud and long;
Lake waters lap; the river snores;
The narrow creek is bubbling song.
Between two hills, beneath tall spires
Of trees, the pond in silence glistens;
But oh the wisdom she acquires
While little sister lies and listens!
by Ray Romine Tuesday, July 3, 1951
He throws his wad of worn-out gum
Into an ashtray on the spot,
Or yells “Where’s that waste-basket, chum?”
Then shoves it in a flower pot,
Or sticks it in a careful way
Beneath a bench. I sourly sigh.
For rid him of it as he may,
Its next recipient is I.
by Ray Romine Thursday, March 15, 1951
The theory isn’t a wonder.
If you will, toss it insult and stone,
But I must admit
I am partial to it- –
Why not, when the darn thing’s my own?
by Ray Romine Saturday, December 23, 1950
A man from Missouri named Truman,
Heretofore quite unassumin’,
Cries, for a gag,
“’52’s in the bag!”
(Missouri mule? Or is he human?)
by Ray Romine Friday, June 23, 1950
Point with pride, and boast your fill
Of everything you do;
It may be I, by keeping still,
Can learn some things from you.
by Ray Romine Tuesday, March 27, 1951