My cousin, Lois Greene, and I met at the
Leola Elementary School where 72 years
earlier she rescured me when I missed
the bus after my first day there. I probably
had not said thank you, so I wrote the
poem on the left.
The Smart Daughter
For Lois on her birthday, Apr 2023
The smart Martin daughter
Got up early and bright,
gulped down some fresh milk,
Yep, chores done before light.
She had all the skills
to help dad in the stable.
Then went on in the house
to help mom set the table.
Like Barbara and Thelma
Doris, Ruthie and Bob,
Hard work made good character
And made the heart throb.
But she was much more
Than just business and chores
She lived for real peace
And never chose wars.
Don’t believe me, take a look.
She’ll be posting it soon on facebook.
She’s quick, not slow as a turtle
Check out how she wins playing Wordle.
But, back up the years
When she started first grade
In a pretty little dress
and her hair in a braid.
At first she knew no one
at this local school
But she learned to how to read
And to follow the rule.
Then in spring came a cousin
Into Miss Gish’s room
This added some friendship
We have to assume
But this little cousin
By name of Glenn Mark
His first day at Leola
Was tragic, not a lark.
When the school bell did ring
And the kids went bye-bye
Little Glenn missed his bus
And he started to cry.
You’ve probably never seen
A poor child in such fear,
But Lois saw his trauma
and held him very near.
Such acts of care, of mercy
Is how she always lives
The world’s a better place
Because of how she gives.
Some years have passed
Since that touching first grade tale
But Lois has only grown
With grace we see her prevail.
When time for college,
she wanted the best
She packed up her car
and headed out west
Her faith guided her
to the very best one,
She never stopped driving
till she got to Hesston.
If you’re friends with Lois
Permit me to tip you off:
Treat this beauty like a princess
Afterall, her mother is a Groff.
We’re Groffs, neighbors, cousins,
We love our family.
We pause to give tribute
To Mothers, Elva and Elsie.
Our two mothers were sisters
The Kinzer angels did guard,
Now both lie in rest eternal
In Stumptown’s graveyard.
But we, heirs of their faith,
The Lehman and Martin clans,
Now sing “happy birthday Lois,”
As in joy we hold hands.
–Glenn Lehman
