Florence D. Schmalke
Brooklyn Center, MN, USA
Florence D. SchmalkeBrooklyn Center, MN, USA |
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Born in Romy, MN to Paul and Rose Garecki on July 14, 1923, Florence was married on Feb. 7, 1942 and is now divorced. She has 6 children: Diane, Ray, Elaine, Patricia, Jim and David. She is a cook for a board and care home for the retarded. She is a member of several senior clubs, the Rosary Society and sang in the choir. She was a Den Mother for 5 years and a 4H Leader. Florence paints landscapes, writes songs for a record company (Hilltop Records), does gardening, gives luncheons, etc. She received a Certificate of Achievement from the KFC Billboard Song Contest in 1991 as well as an award for her song, "America is Beautiful Land of Liberty." Florence says, "I love people around me--young, old, retarded, disabled, I love all of them." |
America My CountryIt's great to live in a country big and strongIt doesn't matter if you are young or old Our thoughts are as good as gold Where we go on land or sea We can always be happy and free Free to express our thoughts and then Even express them over again To different people no matter what color or race In America for them there is always a place To make a home For their families to roam The fields; the woods. The countryside Especially the young man and his bride For seniors and teens In formals or jeans Who ever it may be Remember we can always be free Just like a bird chirping, singing happily. Like chipmunks in the wood Calling to his mate and being good. Good to his family And Grandpa talking to his Emily Pondering over ideas and thoughts galore And, off to bed and listen to him snore Taken up in the morning early light Whenever it is nice and bright In America where we are always free Where in New York Harbor stands the Statue of Liberty Her hand raised high toward the sky Where our planes in freedom fly Where all of us want to be America for you and me Liberty and freedom will never end I'll get down on both my knees and bend To thank God I am an American In a country great and grand Who wants to be anywhere else Except in America where we can do so much expand America will always be my land. |
Florence welcomes letters in care of:
The International Poetry Hall of Fame
1 Poetry Plaza
Owings Mills, MD 21117
All poems Copyright © 1998 Florence D. Schmalke.
All rights reserved.