“The Poet has a Dream” I am the gray Purple Poet, My words are etched for all time; If you hear me on campus you'll know it, I speak in verses and rhyme. 1. A dream that I had, More cheerful than sad, Of a time when we were all new; The ghosts in this … Continue reading Ghosts of Lewis
Category: Poetry
That Telling Smile
I stood at the finish line of a long distance race. My job was to applaud and express gratitude for raising money for a charity. As the runners proudly completed their brief journey, I watched their accomplishment and joy at competing against one another. But one lonely runner, trailing all the others, crossed the line … Continue reading That Telling Smile
The Poet Remembers
O, I am the gray, purple poet, My opinions are etched for all time; If you hear me on campus you’ll know it, By my talk – in verses and rhyme. I. I speak of a time When intramurals were prime, When guys went to school for the play; For their house or their frat, … Continue reading The Poet Remembers
Why Go to Joliet?
“You live in Colorado, but you make frequent trips to Joliet? What is it that calls you back to Illinois?” My friends in Illinois would occasionally query why a seemingly normal guy who left Wilmington in 1986 would bother to return so regularly. Colorado has the Rocky Mountains, the sun that shines nearly every day, … Continue reading Why Go to Joliet?
“Don’t Be a Squirrel.” Grandpa Talks Careers
Grandchild asks: “What would be your advice for people in their early twenties who aren't sure of their career path? Did decisions surrounding your career become clearer with age?” Dear grandkids: Many of you are between 19 – 25 years of age, have either completed or are in college, and believe that decisions must be … Continue reading “Don’t Be a Squirrel.” Grandpa Talks Careers
Reflections: Barefoot in the Snow
"...so at a knockI emptied my cageTo hide in the worldAnd alter with age."Robert Frost As old age and loneliness collaborate in an attempt to stifle life, the human spirit can once again emerge through memories of nature, youthful innocence, and vulnerability. The snow fell softly early evening and steadily through the night, Small flakes … Continue reading Reflections: Barefoot in the Snow
Calluses on the Feet? Not on the Heart!
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."Leo Tolstoy If you ever had calluses on the bottom of your feet, you will know how painful that can be. Caused by walking unevenly, the thickness grows, layer over layer, until the core of the growth painfully penetrates the nerves. Likewise, our … Continue reading Calluses on the Feet? Not on the Heart!
Musings about Braidwood Ghosts
"There may be no secrets in small towns, but there are no strangers either." R. A. Mathis Where did they go? They lived in our town and we knew all of them, either by nicknames or where they lived. Lower Braidwood, downtown, or the East side. Near the high school or near the church. Where … Continue reading Musings about Braidwood Ghosts
The Enigmatic Rhymer of Lewis Intramurals: The Purple Poet
“I am the gray purple poet,My words are etched for all time;If you hear me on campus you’ll know it,I speak in verses and rhyme.”P.P. Alert…Alert…Alert: Readers should know that this blog, although primarily relevant to a particular audience of former Lewis University students, may contain interesting elements to a more diverse population. The Lewis … Continue reading The Enigmatic Rhymer of Lewis Intramurals: The Purple Poet
Longest Lewis Basketball Game…Ever
"When the legs go, the heart soon follows."John Wooden A game played on Sunday, January 10, 1960 is arguably the most memorable game played in Lewis College/University history. The game matched rivals Lewis versus Loras College. It is memorable because the game went into six overtimes and was won in “sudden death.” What makes the game … Continue reading Longest Lewis Basketball Game…Ever
Braidwood Beginnings 