Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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On his Day Three Decades Ago--Our 4 July. On our 37 acre farm, we had 14 fish ponds. Every week I harvested Channel Catfish for local farmers markets. On this day three decades ago, I first, then later my two boys, Paddled out to the center of our largest pond bearing legal fireworks. As dusk arrived, the fireworks, from the middle of the pond, Would be released to the delight of all onlookers. My mother, Elizabeth, was still alive and especially enjoyed them. In those days it was quite safe, being in the mid-pond, But with today's temperatures of 110 degrees F and such surrounding dryness, To do such would be an act of folly and probably would be called in! Frank Maurer 4 July 2024 1700 Hours.