John Pavlick and I served together in the military at Fort Riley in the late Seventies and early Eighties. He was a Flepper (one who was selected by the Army to go to law school – Funded Legal Education Program – FLEP). The officers who were selected were very special and made my job as the boss so much easier. George Peirce was also a Flepper and assigned to the Big Red One at Ft. Riley at the same time (He is now the General Counsel for the Defense Intelligence Agency).
I have mentioned before that for physical training, we played soccer. Well, some of the combat battalions challenged us to soccer games. We never lost. The officers of the 1st Squadron of the 4th Cavalry, know as the Quarter Horse, were destroyed when they lost to a bunch of noncombat lawyers. Just because we didn’t eat snakes didn’t mean we weren’t good athletes.
Below is the poem I read to John on his sixtieth birthday.
John – Still Young at Sixty
John’s celebrating his birthday on this special day,
He was born in Wurzburg, far, far away.
As an Army brat, they would surely anoint,
This fine young lad, to study at West Point.
And study he did and learn how to brace,
And walk a few tours, it’s a hectic pace.
But there was a bright spot, he found his elixir,
He ran into Olga at a social mixer.
He graduated, got married and started off to school,
First armor, then airborne, those patches look so cool.
Then off to Fulda, Germany, no time to get bored,
He was saving all of Europe from the Russian hoard.
John decided to become a lawyer, he certainly had the pep,
He applied for the Army program and soon became a FLEP.
Schooling at Pennsylvania, not much use for a gun,
Graduated a JAG, assigned to the Big Red One.
At Fort Riley, he prosecuted and was Chief of Criminal Law,
Discipline got better, regarding things he oversaw.
John was great at playing soccer, he truly was a force,
When the JAG officers took the field and whipped the Quarter Horse.
John was always bright, but from where I stood,
Having him in the trenches, just made me look good.
When we left Fort Riley, it was time for more knowledge,
They sent John to the Grad School and me to the War College.
With Olga, Keith and Mark, he headed for a perk,
To the general counsel’s office, to do government contract work.
He honed his skills while still young and spry,
Then retired from the Army to give private practice a try.
A partner at Venable, the horizon is wide,
There’s a lot more money on the other side.
But it’s talent and skill that set John apart,
Both the Army and clients recognized his art.
Now, John is sixty, and his friends are here,
Along with his family, bringing love and good cheer.
We celebrate your birthday and wish you the best,
Here’s to good friends, good health and all the rest.
Category Archives: Poems
A John Grisham Disappointment
A John Grisham Disappointment
His new book is out, it’s called “The Appeal,”
He’s such a great writer, let the bells peal.
The book’s full of emotion, intrigue and power,
Why did the ending have to be so sour?
The book was well written, the villain’s a devil,
He buys elections and judges, nothing is level.
The book spins a great tale, of corruption and sins,
But, when the smoke settles, it’s the bad guy that wins.
There’s a widow who suffered, child and husband dead,
He makes her sympathetic, that’s what I read.
So we pull for the widow, let the villain be smashed,
But, after reading to the end, our hopes are all dashed.
I’d expect it from McMurtry, his books never end,
The main character just wanders around the next bend.
He also writes well, he’s ever so sly,
But, he’ll never be forgiven, letting Gus McCrea die.
Grisham may be critically acclaimed for his hard hitting story,
But for leaving readers disappointed, there is no glory.
He wanted more reality in this little caper,
But, if I wanted more reality, I’ll just read the paper.
Bill and Dorris Celebrating Thirty
If you have been keeping track, you’ll have noticed that my poems about military friends have been limited to generals, “Big Daddy’s Seventy-Fifth” (Major General Larry Williams), and “The Clausen Anniversary” (Major General Hugh Clausen). Before you conclude that I am just a big suck up, please keep in mind that I had retired from the military long before I wrote those poems. Now, the poem “Fearless Leader” was written about Marc Fleischaker, Chairman of the Executive Committee at Arent Fox, while I was a partner. In that case, I definitely was sucking up!
This poem is about a JAG officer who worked for me at Fort Riley. Bill Heaston and his wife, Dorris, were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. At the time of the anniversary, both Bill and I had retired. So there, it is no longer just generals.
Dorris worked for the Red Cross in Vietnam. The troops called them “Donut Dollies.” As a matter of fact, I think they called themselves “Donut Dollies.” Anyway, Bill was a young JAG captain in Vietnam and that is where they met. Can’t you just see that romantic scene of the two of them holding each other under a mosquito net?
At Fort Riley, we took PT (physical training) every day. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we would do our daily dozen exercises and then run around post. But on Tuesday and Thursday, we would choose up sides and play soccer. Bill and I were usually picked on opposite sides (it worked better that way). One day, while playing, I ran into Bill and it left a lasting impression. I played football at the University of Missouri and with a low center of gravity and good balance, I usually ran over people (I was the boss, so no one ever complained too loudly). When I hit Bill, it was like running into a big Oak tree. I only ran into him once.
Bill is now general counsel for a telephone company in South Dakota and Dorris is a CPA and a tax consultant. And, when it is not tax season, Dorris is delightful. I have no idea what she is like during tax season, because she doesn’t talk to or see anyone.
Thirty Years and Counting
Thirty years, yes, thirty years,
Now that’s a good chunk of time.
But Dorris and Bill have traveled the path,
And the anniversary’s about to chime.
It sprang out of war in a far distant place,
A transplanted Donut Dolly with a bright shining face,
And a lawyer soldier, with shoulders so square,
There seemed little doubt they’d end up as a pair.
We met at Fort Riley in the Big Red One,
Living on Forsyth and did we have fun.
Our seven children were at home – this sometime caused a prank,
They had John, Rita and Eileen and little Ben the Tank.
Dorris gave Carole a witch costume to wear at Halloween,
She still wears the hat in October and it looks just peachy keen.
The only thing Bill gave Jack was bruises and that’s no joke,
When they collided on the soccer field, it truly would bring smoke.
Now the military life’s behind them and the children all are grown,
The guys still practicing law, the gals cruise the shopping zone.
We get together too seldom, but there’s the RAJA gang,
Where memories can be awakened and spring forward with a clang.
So here’s to the next time together, to the laughter and the tears,
Here’s to a happy anniversary, a fantastic thirty years.
P.S.
Now I’m asking this question to Dorris, I’m cutting her no slack,
After 30 years of marriage, why’s your hair still so black?
The Clausen Anniversary
I worked for Hugh Clausen in the Pentagon, and then, of course, when he became The Judge Advocate General, we all worked for him. He was a lay-back, easy going guy, but when you are that smart, you can act any way you want.
My previous boss in the Pentagon, Brigadier General Tenhet, had been all business and when you were called into his office you knew it was time to get busy. There was no doubt that a sensitive issue needed to be addressed (most tasks did not require a visit to his office). I probably never had a meeting with him that lasted much over three minutes. “Come in, sit down.” Then he would lay out the facts and the legal issue and what he needed us to do. Then he would say, “Any questions?” And, out I would go.
When General Tenhet announced his retirement, I went over to his office to wish him good luck. He said, “Come in, sit down.” I said, “Sir, this is more of a social visit.” He paused, and then said, “Oh, would you like a cup of coffee?”
General Tenhet’s direct approach did not prepare me for General Clausen. The first time General Clausen tasked me on an important issue, he wandered into my office, put his feet on my desk and started telling me about having a conversation with his old buddy, the Director of the Army Staff. He said that something had been mentioned and that if I had a chance, I might want to check into it. The bad news was that I had been tasked by my boss and because of his casual manner in telling me, I had missed it! Needless to say, the matter was not handled as it should have been and I just barely survived. But, like with my earlier writing on “Whoa, Fool me Once,” I never made that mistake again. We could be having drinks at the club or playing golf, but if he said I might want to look into something, I was all over it.
After General Clausen retired from the Army, Clemson University hired him to be the Vice President for Administration and Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees. They hired him, even though he told them he was a grad from the University of Alabama and didn’t care much for tigers.
Well, after they had been at Clemson for a number of years, the University cared so much for Hugh and Betty that they gave them a 50th wedding anniversary party. While Carole and I could not attend, we sent the following poem.
The Anniversary
Listen to the noise, hear all the cheers,
Betty and Hugh together for, yes, 50 years.
A day long remembered, a day of blue skies,
Full of fond memories, shining in their eyes.
So many memories of early days in green,
Traveling round the world, so much to be seen.
Hugh in the Army, of building his career,
Betty with the family, skinned knees and wiping tears.
Hugh rose through the ranks, destined to be a star,
But he still had time for golf, chasing after par.
As the T(ee)JAG, he ran the show, in charge of all but a few,
Betty remained her wonderful self, in charge of only Hugh.
With adieu to the Army and a new life unfurled,
Say hello to Clemson and the academic world.
He helped pick his boss and she picked out the flooring,
For a beautiful house on Hermitage Mooring.
He looks like a Tiger with the orange jacket he sports,
but, if you dig deeper, you’ll find roll-Tide red shorts.
The special day has arrived and friends gather near,
With love in their hearts for two people so dear.
Not everyone can be there, but all understand,
Their thoughts are with them across the land.
So with glasses raised high, we hope you can hear,
Here’s a toast to you both for each and every year.
Mom’s 90th Birthday
For my mother’s 90th birthday, we gathered at our house in Springfield, Virginia. Bill, my older brother and his wife, Jeanette, came up from Hendersonville, North Carolina and Mom and Karen, my younger sister, flew in from Phoenix. We spent the entire weekend celebrating.
I mentioned Mom’s older brother, Leslie, in the poem. Whenever he got mad at Mom, he would tell her he was going out to the garage to sharpen the ax. As for as we know, he never used it on anyone.
Between Bill and me, we played baseball four nights a week. It conflicted with the dinner meal, but Mom just made sure we all got fed. Back then, I didn’t think much about the imposition. Kids just play and expect to eat.
Karen, Jeanette and my wife, Carole, were all selected as Football Queens for our high school. It was a big thing at East Side High.
And, yes, we vacationed at Sammy Lane Resort in Branson, Missouri, when the downtown area consisted of one block. Sammy Lane’s swimming pool was drained every Monday and refilled with spring water. It was Wednesday or Thursday before you could actually swim in the icy water.
On that weekend, we sat and told the stories that had become legend in the Rice household. There’s the one where I was talking to Bill and threw my arms up gesturing backwards. The window screen gave way and I fell out of our first floor bedroom window. I ran around the house crying and came in the kitchen door. Mom asked me what happened and I told her and then, pointed at Bill. I said, “He was there when I fell out the window.” Bill said, “I noticed he stopped talking.” It’s tough being a middle child.
Mom will be 93 in July. A couple of years back, she had a mild stroke, and has made an excellent recovery. She is back exercising on her treadmill.
CELEBRATION
We’re having a gathering, a significant event,
It’s Mother’s birthday, it’s time well spent.
She is ninety and counting and spry as could be,
Working mind and body, she’s fit A to Z.
She lived through the Depression and the Japanese attacks,
Got along with her siblings, except Leslie with the ax.
Married as a teen and a child when she was 20,
Bill and Jack and Karen Ann and boy that was plenty.
Devoted to her family, of chores we will not speak,
Except juggling the meals, around four ball games a week.
With only one daughter, as mysterious as it seems,
Before it was over, she had three football queens.
Vacation in the Ozarks, bees and wasps a humming,
Cabins weren’t much to look at, but at least they had indoor plumbing.
But the locations got better, and we did cavort,
In the icy cold pool, at Sammy Lane’s Resort.
She’s done her share of traveling, there’s not much fun in that,
It’s not easy with crying kids and tires that will go flat.
Airplanes are not her bag and ships make her shiver,
Yet, she’s rafted, yes, rafted down the Colorado River.
After years and years in Illinois, she moved out to the West,
Then Florida, to Illinois, but Arizona passed the test.
She’s living with Karen and keeps her conservative views,
She watches Fox Broadcasting for “fair and balanced” news.
Now with her children present, we look back through the years,
Seeing all the good times and noticing some tears.
We know that she is special, there really is no other,
The woman that we love, the woman we call Mother.
The Chronicles of O’Fivia, The Vision, the Trip and the Golf Ball
It’s hard to tell from the title, but this is the last of the Christmas poems, Christmas – 2005. We are now current and you no longer will have to read about what my 17 year old grandson did when he was ten.
In 2005, Disney came out with a movie entitled, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. My title for the 2005 Christmas poem was a lame attempt to find humor off of the Disney title. It would have helped if a few more people had seen the Disney movie. Maybe, not even that would have helped. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
It also seemed like we remodeled the whole year. Our neighbors asked if our contractor had moved in with us. Almost. It was maddening. But, that is probably not too unusual. My wife’s close friend, Olga, was building a new home and she was furious with her contractor. She asked her family doctor for something to calm her down. The doctor said that before he could prescribe the medication, he needed to make sure she didn’t have any suicidal thoughts. She said, “Suicidal, no, homicidal, yes, I want to kill my contractor!” The bottom line on our remodeling is that we are tremendously pleased with finished product.
The trip to Ireland was incredible. If you want to read more about it, see my blog entitled, “Best of Ireland.”
The Chronicles of O’Fivia
The Vision, the Trip and the Golf Ball
Golly gee, it’s Christmas time,
A time to write, a time to rhyme.
Santa and his reindeer, way up in the sky,
It’s the best way to travel, with gas prices so high.
Fifteen years in Springfield, and every three we start to pack,
It’s hard to break old habits, then we cut ourselves some slack.
The Army days are over, so remodel and add on a room,
Now Carole has a vision, new bathrooms are coming soon.
It seemed like a good idea, just give the house a new face,
But we hardly picked out the tile, and “someone’s” a basket case.
We sunned ourselves on the Gulf coast visiting Bob and Sue,
Jogged over to see Missy and Terry, then joined the RAJA crew.
But our best trip was in August, we say with a smile,
We were looking for a Leprechaun, all over the Emerald Isle.
While we found no pot of gold, it was a wonderful event,
We came home smiling and exhausted, with all our money spent.
The children are good, you can’t beat that,
No natural disasters, or a serious spat.
Grant’s off to the University of Arizona, and Becky’s at a District school,
Brandon’s put a band together and is trying to be cool.
Missy and Terry keep dodging the storms on Florida’s eastern shore,
With a newly acquired motorcycle, escaping won’t be a chore.
Tyler’s now in high school, and likes to just hang out,
Kristin’s on the dancing team with new routines to tout.
Paul got himself promoted, he’s now a deputy warden,
He commutes to Roanoke, and it ain’t no rose garden.
We saw them at Thanksgiving, togetherness is the answer,
Josh was playing chess, and Jack’s a robot dancer.
We gathered for Mary’s 90th, with Karen, Jeanette and Bill,
We laughed and told great stories, with sobriety and skill.
We’re preparing for another event, another happy day,
For Blanche will soon be 90, she’s only two years away.
A Leadbetter golf school for Jack’s iffy game,
Why he didn’t do it sooner, it really is a shame.
For now, he shot a 79, and his confidence just climbs,
If you’ve seem him in the last six months, he’s told you 14 times.
It’s time to wrap this up, the paper’s gotten curled,
And if this missive arrives real late, it’s cause we’re at Disney World.
But we’re thinking of you all, dear family and friends,
Through these joyous days, till the Holiday ends.
Then a new year begins, and our wish is clear,
We wish you a wonderful and Happy New Year!
Thankful Christmas – 2004
In 2004, we had a lot to be thankful for. And here, in 2008, we can all be thankful that I am almost caught up in publishing old Christmas poems. This is the penultimate poem. I love that word and there aren’t many opportunities to use it. When I used it in my legal work, my clients thought I was showing off (Well, I was). So after this one, there is only 2005 and then, I am current.
Hitting a flock of birds on take off is no fun, especially for the birds. We couldn’t tell whether our landing gear was up or down. We had to return to Dulles and fly over the tower so that they could tell us that the landing gear was down (but, was in locked in place?). As soon as we started preparing for a crash landing, we quit being upset about missing our connecting flight in LA. Much like some of the airplane movies, the captain came on the intercom and started telling us how well the plane was made. He said there was no way of knowing for sure whether the landing gear were locked in place (could have left that out), but, he was sure they were locked and we would be OK. Well, they were and we were.
Vault.com is one of those websites that evaluates all businesses. In 2004, they rated Arent Fox #1 in “quality of life” for law firms nation wide. That’s heady stuff! Maybe they liked our little red fox. I certainly do. Anyway, here’s 2004.
Thankful Christmas – 2004
It’s time to get started, no time to delay,
Holiday’s upon us, the year flew away.
It’s time to be thankful, for those who remember,
No presidential recount this time in December.
The Redskins, the Capitals, our teams are derided,
But, a champion appears, it’s DC United.
And baseball in the Capital, what a surprise,
Will the DC Council fumble, right before our eyes?
But enough of this chit-chat and things of that sort,
It’s time for serious business, time to report.
Our record’s intact, I mean that we traveled,
But, our trip to Hawaii, almost unraveled.
Taking off we hit birds, and that was really queer,
Especially, when you can’t raise your landing gear.
Second take off worked and Hawaii was a peach,
So was Portsmouth with RAJA, and the kids at Myrtle Beach.
And the Caribbean family cruise, with so much food it hurts,
Did you ever see a teenager eat four or five desserts?
So our traveling is done, but we still may be tardy,
Because this is the year for our Christmas party.
The house is taking shape, Carole’s at the helm,
Decorations, food and lists, lists, lists, and I am overwhelmed.
But I’ll get lots of guidance, and Carole will not fail,
Her homemaker competition is presently in jail.
The children are doing great, and grandchildren thrive,
They’re growing up so fast, now eighteen to five.
Grant’s ready for college and Brandon’s ready for girls,
Tyler ties opponents in knots, and Kristin jumps and twirls.
Josh is attacking computer foes, and successfully saving the earth,
Little Jack is so pleased with himself, and living for all that it’s worth.
Both Moms are doing great, they’re extraordinary gals,
Blanch elected tenant president by her O’Fallon pals.
Mary keeps in shape, both in mind and body,
While she is almost ninety, her energy is cum laude.
Good news for the firm, “Vault” ratings are out,
And for “quality of life,” of first we can tout.
The associates are happy and what’s really funny,
With all the good vibes, we’re still making money!
Arent Fox is quite well, straighter it’s standing,
With a little red fox to do all our branding.
And yes, a new logo we have unfurled,
We simply say, we’re “Smart in Your World.”
I think I will close, not a moment too soon,
Even with music, this ain’t much of a tune.
But the purpose was honest and good at heart,
Good wishes to all, but where do we start.
God bless our troops and all of our friends,
And to all of you, where your journey ends.
We are thinking of you, and with good cheer,
Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year!
Big Daddy’s Seventy-Fifth
In all professions, there are those who become legends. Major General Lawrence H. Williams, Big Daddy, was a legend in the JAG Corps and the Pentagon. Even as a Lieutenant Colonel, many things in the Pentagon only happened after Big Daddy’s approval. His temper was also well known. There were times when his temper got the best of him. Many times it was justified, once in a while, it was not.
I wrote this poem for his seventy-fifth birthday. There was a luncheon given by many of the officers who served under him. General Williams died a year later and his wife, Margaret, asked me to read the poem at the funeral reception.
This is one of my favorite poems in that I felt I captured a lot about this unique man in just a few lines. He had little sayings (always with a purpose), like, “if you saw the wood in front of you, it will warm you twice. First, when you cut it, and then, when you burn it. He also said, “Never wrestle with a pig because you will get dirty and the pig will enjoy it.”
When I was in the Pentagon working in the Administrative Law Division, all of the Army regulations were kept in three-ring binders (now everything is on line). Rather than take the whole binder, officers would just pull out the regulation they needed. Sometimes they got lost. One day, General Williams was looking for a regulation and it was missing. He let it be known that anyone removing a regulation from the binder would be fired. That got our attention.
He was a combat aviator during World War II flying missions in North Africa, Italy and France. On D-Day, he flew a glider loaded with troops inland from Normandy.
After his retirement, when someone would ask how he was doing, he would say, “quite well, thank you.” Then, after a pause, he would smile and say, “all things considered.”
Big Daddy’s Seventy-Fifth
Three quarters of a century, seventy-five years,
We’re gathered together to shout out our cheers.
He’s climbed to the top and the journey is done,
He’s enjoying the view in the warmth of the sun.
A man of all seasons, an adviser, a leader,
When placed under pressure, he never would teeter.
His accomplishments many, and quotes with a zig,
Like “sawing the wood” and “never wrestling with a pig.”
He could roar like a lion, and get wound up tightly,
He was mission oriented, and didn’t suffer fools lightly.
But, he admired the young JAG, the day-to-day grinder,
But whoa be the one who lifts the Reg from the binder.
Who flew a glider a half century ago?
Who excels at table tennis, I’ll bet you don’t know.
Who spent years in the Pentagon, most people would go batty,
You’re right, you guessed it, it’s our own Big Daddy.
So it’s Happy Birthday on the seventy-fifth year,
With Margaret at your side, she’s such a dear.
You’ve had a great life, a life not frittered,
And you’re doing quite well, thank you, all things considered.
Year 2000 Holiday Report
In the year 2000, I had to prepare my Christmas poem around Thanksgiving. Carole and I were having a Christmas party and she wanted to send out the party invitations in the Christmas cards. My poem also goes in the cards. And the cards needed to be mailed the first week in December. By the time we tucked everything in the envelopes, they were probably overweight.
My daughter, Missy taught kindergarten in Florida. So, I had some fun with the chad problem where Floridians couldn’t seem to figure out how to vote. I thought that each kindergarten class could go home and teach their parents how to punch out a voting card. So much for staying apolitical.
I picked up Firestone as a client, because of the tread separation problem on the Ford Explorers. Year 2000 was a tough year for Firestone, but they survived and the brand name is still out there and respected as a value tire.
The good news is there are only three more catch-up Christmas poems remaining. The bad news is there are still two more after this one.
Year 2000 Holiday Report
It’s time to report to all of good cheer,
It’s not yet Thanksgiving, but my instructions are clear.
Get the poem out, and the rest of my list,
Forget about the ball, I could hit through the mist.
Someone’s quite organized, she’s cracking the whip,
Getting ready for our party, so I can’t let this slip.
So It’s greetings to all on this bright new dawn,
The 21st Century and Bubba is gone.
It’s an exciting time to be in DC,
Unless you love sports, then it’s “Oh woe is me.”
The year has raced by in incredible leaps,
Excitement abounds, but Congress just creeps.
Our family is good, both Moms doing great,
The kids are still scattered from state to state.
Grant’s nearing high school, but Brandon’s the feature,
He’s mastering the fifth grade, and Becky’s his teacher.
Missy’s also teaching, and Tyler’s into sports,
Kristin’s quite the cheerleader, and Florida’s out of sorts.
Missy’s kindergarten class now has a new goal,
Teaching Florida residents how to punch the right hole.
Paul and Sandy are the closest and seeing them is fun,
Josh is a big help with little Jack who’s one.
Two weeks in Europe on a Scandinavian tour,
Better than we read in Holland’s glossy brochure.
East Germany seemed familiar, something like before,
With people, cars and schnitzel, and beer forevermore.
Two day’s in St. Petersburg, gave us a sharp contrast,
Beauty and poverty together is a memory that will last.
The Thrift Shop is booming, and it’s becoming astuter,
No long hand written tags, it’s now all computer.
But she likes her Wednesday gang, they’re coming to our party,
They’ll gather by our Christmas tree, and drink and laugh so hardy.
Professionally, I’m doing great, my best year at the Fox,
And that was before the Firestone call, Wow, they’ve had their knocks.
We’re working the Firestone problem, one day up and then we dive,
It’s a tricky road to travel, but the Company will survive.
The Fox keeps getting bigger, talking merger, Boston bound.
If the Fox gets any bigger, it will surely chase the hound.
So let’s wrap this up, it’s been a great year,
Seeing friends at RAJA, and our future seems clear.
We’re enjoying our blessings, good health and good cheer
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The Millennium Poem *
While called the Millennium poem, it reports on what happened in 1999. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. And, as this is the end of 2007, that means in another year and a half, we will be celebrating 50!
We took our first Tauck Tour (Canadian Rockies). We were blown away by the Rockies and Tauck. Since then, we have used them to go to Australia, Hawaii and Ireland, along with a number of other places.
You just have to humor me regarding those things that rhyme with Millennium. I hope you find and enjoy the humor.
The Millennium Poem *
We’re counting down to the new Millennium,
and standing tall like a large delphinium.
(Hey, give me a break – it’s not easy to find a word
that rhymes with millennium – would you have
preferred condominium?).
It’s been a great year for the whole Rice clan,
We’ve expanded and prospered and eaten our bran.
No major medicals, I report with a wink,
Steady ain’t so bad, when the options all stink.
All the grandchildren are in school, with the exception of one,
And, they’re brighter than their gramps, that’s not a big stun.
Paul and Sandy had a baby, perhaps you haven’t heard,
He’s a beautiful, pleasant boy, named Paul Jackson the III.
While the kids and moms are spread all over this nation,
We made sure we saw them all, cause love you can’t ration.
There was Disney in December and RAJA in KC,
September in the desert and January at high sea.
But, the Canadian Rockies was the high point of the year,
When God directed beauty, he put his finger here.
With water falls and glaciers and mountains capped with snow,
The panoramic vista will make you deep down glow.
Arent Fox is still growing and doing things right,
Merged with a patent office, space will be tight.
Starting major construction on the seventh floor,
A great big conference room and lots, lots more.
Our culture is consensus, we always act as one,
With so many strong views, I’m surprised anything gets done.
What made this year so special, as we move toward double O,
Is Carole and I passed forty, that’s four zero don’t you know.
We started out in law school, then took on the Army life,
We raised our loving family and pushed through all the strife.Living forty years together, we’re ready for the Millennium,We celebrate our fortieth and think of all our friends,
Forty more sounds real good, but not in a condominium.
You’ve added so much to our lives and as the poem ends,
We wish you all the joys of life, good will and peace on earth,
May this Christmas bring you happiness with gaiety and mirth.
* Hopefully, you won’t see another one this bad for a thousand years.