Armas Saastamo

Woodland, Washington

My parents came from Finland. They tried to get onto the Titanic, but it was full. Because of my Mother's pregnancy, Ellis Island Officials wouldn't allow them to continue on to Wyoming, but let them go the Fitchburg, Mass., where I was born September 10,1912. I operated a small dairy and also worked construction. I also helped build Grand Coulee Dam for four years. I have written two unpublished short novels, many unpublished short stories, and a few poems published by two book publishers; and many by the National Library of Poetry, and also several by Cowlitz, Wakiakum Senior News.

Where Has The Time Gone?

Where has the time gone?

It doesn't seem, it's been that long!

Half a century, plus thirty or more,

But who is keeping score?

From tottering tot, to ringing school bell,

I remember it well!

Youthful romance, marriage and parenting

We all have done our thing!

Like yester year, the events seem clear,

Some memories sad, some very dear,

But quickly, will arrive, yet another dawn,

Oh where! Oh where! has the time gone!?

Smoking Is So Cool

What smoking does for you.

Is habit forming too!

Food doesn't taste, as it used to do,

Doesn't that tell something to you?

Smoke gets into the hair,

Of your Lady Fair.

And if you get amorous,

Isn't it just glamorous

That the sweet breath you think

Is like the clothes that stink!

And if your coughing is on the increase,

You're well on the way to a lung disease!

You think smoking is cool,

So continue to be a fool,

And go ahead and inhale,

And drive another coffin nail!

My Buddy

He is a canine,

This buddy of mine,

A companion true,

And protector, too!

The color of my skin,

Doesn't matter to him!

If punishment, he's to get,

He's quick to forget,

And be a true friend,

To the very end!

My Buddy!

A Cat

A kitten's such a cute and cuddly thing,

A majesty, as regal as a king!

A bit aloof, but friendly too,

And accepts all affection it gets from you!

Compared to a dog, it's just as smart,

But to learn tricks, is harder to start!

It may not want to retrieve a ball,

But always ready to the dinner call!

It's playful with its own toy,

Making fun for self, is its joy!

You may think you own a cat,

But in fact,

It is not true,

Because the cat, owns you!