Jo Covlin Engesether

Portland, Oregon

Date of Birth: September 7, 1911; Dogden-Butte, ND; Parents: Anton and Fannie Covlin; Spouse: Samuel Engesether; Date of Marriage: September 1935; Children: Ronald Clark, Synneva Tone, Bonnie Jean, Mary Hope; Education: Duluth (State Teachers College) University-Bemidji-Degree Spec. ED- University of MN-Minneapolis St. Paul, MN; Have a BS Degree, Majored in English and Art; Occupation: Retired teacher- I have taught for 36 years. I spent 3 years teaching Special Education at Cass Lake, MN. Other writings: Throughout The Years- poems, "The Tagalong" and "A Loner But Never Alone" Personal Note: I wrote my first poem when I was in the 3rd grade to my eldest sister, who was in college. My middle sister got it before it was sent and teased me so much I never let her see another until it was in a church bulletin.

THE FALL OF PRESIDENT KENNEDY (NOVEMBER 22,1963) I'M FREE

Today a Nation paused to mourn the fate
Of President Kennedy, our former Chief of State.
All over the nation on TV the people followed along
The funeral parade that ended in Arlington.
Yet but a short time ago he laughed and talked
And enjoyed nature's beauty as he walked.

He was Chief of State, husband of a loving wife,
Filled with love for family and so full of life.
In a moment-- one flicker--and his life was o'er
Never to be our president any more.
What cruel fate dealt such a blow?
What anguish and sorrow his wife must know?

The wheels of the country paused to bury our President:
And a day in mourning by the citizens was spent
Each throughout the land in his own way
Solemnly paused to reflect, and perhaps to pray.
But tomorrow all the wheels again will turn:
The world will forget, though his family mourn.

And as we mediate o'er this great grief and sorrow
We learn that every yesterday dawns into a new tomorrow.
"Tis in the passing of time lies life's great mystery:
Today so important--tomorrow only history.
Strange is the truth that we must face:
There's none so important that someone else can't replace.

OF YESTERDAY (1938)

I have left something behind me--
Just a bit of youth, I guess--
Just a bit of carefree laughter
And a bit of happiness.

I have left in the past behind me
Just a by gone memory, dear--
Just a bit of joy and sunshine--
And mingled now with a tear.

I have left in the shadow behind me
Just the fancies of childhood days.
Just a love of childish pleasures
And the footprints of those ways.

Let us leave in the past behind us--
The ruts made by our load
And in the future before us
Take the straight paved road.

I'M FREE

On the old rugged cross where my Savior died
My sins were forgiven, my guilt swept aside.

In three days He arose, in all glory He came
To declare to the world there's power in His name!

I'm free, I'm free, thank the Lord, I'm free!
For sin no longer has power over me.

Take a Walk!

Whenever a friend has proved untrue,
And the world seems cold and dark and blue;
Whenever you feel mistreated and kicked about,
Put on your coat and just get out.
Walk under the trees in the cool fresh air --
You'll find a Comforter waiting there.
He will guide you and console you as you stroll,
And your burdens away from your heart will roll.
Your eyes will sharpen as you open your heart,
And you'll count your blessings as you homeward start.
No matter how large your problems may have seemed to you,
They will become small and very few.
Just as soon as you crawl out of your little shell
And seek to help others who have troubles as well.