| Syttende Mai Strum, Wisconsin Page 4 of 4 by Ralph Heath |
Now they live in Arizona Where the weather’s warm and dry. They gather at the clubhouse But they can’t remember why. These Norskes, Swedes, and Danes, and Finns, And those who are Icelandic Have got to have a leader Or they’ll run off in a panic. A voice is heard, both loud and clear, “Something really must be done”. These Scandinavians are being lead By Laurie Bergerson. It’s ninety years and longer--- Many months and many weeks--- And the snow in Arizona Has covered up Four Peaks. And though I’m not Norwegian, I just can’t figure why--- It takes an Englishman like me To remember Syttende Mai. So, “Hils fra Meg Der Hjemma”. Syttende Mai comes once a year. I’m English, not Norwegian--- But sometimes I wish I were. So Haakon, dear old Haakon--- As you look down from above; Forgive the Norsks if they forget And smile down with your love. And now in nineteen-ninety-nine In the Valley of the Sun--- We’ll celebrate Syttende Mai ‘Cause it is so much fun. And at the Baseline’s great swap meet The parking lot is full. Irwin Suess plays the music of Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull. So, “Skol” and “Skol pa fisken” “Hors und gorta”, and “Vata bra”. “Are you from Strum, Wisconsin”? and the Norskes all say “Yah”. Friend of Norwegians Ralph Heath 1999 I believe this poem was written for the 1999 gathering of Strum in Arizona, 1999. Written by a former Strum resident, then in Arizona. Provided to those at that Gathering. |