Alska

In tribute to family history

"Dear Pappa, I understand why you threw me out,
never once did the thought cross my mind to blame you for feeling so mad.
I miss you so, Mamie too, but I did fall in love, I did accept a new belief,
and this very day a decade ago, I did wed.

Dear Pappa, all ten years you closed your door to The First Noel;
haven't you always dreamt of a grandson? Pappa, I gave you four.
Every year, Pappa, I tried though I knew forgiveness was scarce on your side,
scarce it may be, there was a chance that you might open your door.

Dear Pappa, maybe you thought God would give you the title as the first Olsen to go but
God decided to receive me particularly early, not very long now and I'd be gone.
You were not there at Holy Matrimony and I reluctantly believe that you won't be here again before I die,
but it's alright Pappa cause I know inside we both still feel the first emotion I was thought.

Dear Pappa, remember you said, 'Son, the Lord thought us all to have this in our hearts,
it's why you feel what you feel when you have to look at your loved ones from afar.
Son, you promise me this, no matter what this must be stay with you forever,' and I promised to never break that promise,
and that promise I never broke, because of one word Pappa : alska."

Lynnly Ann
4 H.

Pappa: Swedish word for Daddy
Mamie: Swedish word for Mummy
Alska: Swedish word for love