George Kick

Rapid City, SD, USA

George Kick was born February 21, 1935 in Lead, SD. He moved to Rapid City, SD in 1952. He graduated from high school in 1953. Joining the Army in 1954, he then transferred to the Air Force in 1966. He retired in 1974 as a Staff Sergeant with a total of 20 years active duty as a baker and cook. His favorite activities include bowling, gardening and helping to raise livestock. He received an honorable discharge from Vietnam as well as an honorable discharge from the Air Force at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota in 1974. George's father, Andrew Kick, is deceased (1972). George resides with his mother, Anna Beyl and he has 3 sisters: Mary Reinart, a nurse living in Hastings, MN; Irene Elis, also a nurse living in Hubbard, TX; and Mildred Weber, a retired nurse living in Ogilrie, MN. George was a Red Cross Aid at the 28th Medical Group (Military Hospital) at Ellsworth AFB for 14 years after retirement. Since then, he got more into gardening and enjoying the outdoors and, even more recently, he became interested in poetry. His poetic efforts began with a pet parakeet and a wild wren, having adopted them, and his poetic interest continues to grow into other subjects. George says, "I try to write poetry that particularly reaches children and also includes everyone; and is on a somewhat humorous side and speaks of rural life in the country." George has received two Editor's Choice Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry presented by The National Library of Poetry. He is also a member of The International Society of Poets which includes a marvelous plaque and a very nice pin to wear. George's advice: "Keep on the bright side of life."

Spring rains begin, to refresh the land,
An' beautiful spring flowers begin, to make their stand,
Orange pink blue yellow and every pretty color,
Decorating the hillsides, in a truly rich splendor,
Making their appearance, after cold winter nights,
And the cold wind that to me, seemed really a fright,
Yet now everywhere, it's turning luscious green,
An' beautiful spring birds, will soon be seen,
Now sweet peas blue bonnet flowers an' daffodils,
Are coloring an' dotting the meadows an' hills,
An' springtime can last as long as it wills,
An' I'll never complain o' the fresh spring rains,
That refresh an' green up, the lovely hills an' plains,
An' meadows for sheep an' cattle an' stallions alike,
An' am getting myself ready, for a long fiel' hike,
An' there will be calves an' lambs, an' colts very soon,
And plenty of grass and plenty of room,
As the verdant lands of spring, burst into bloom.