In Loving Memory

Of
My Sister

Marga Nelle Stansell Armstrong
January 17, 1931  -  September 13, 1985

Poet  -  Artist  -  Singer
Mother
Grandmother

My Destiny
I came from Nowhere, and back to Nothing go
But the essence of me is Yesterday, Now and Forever
Though I have been and will be unknown
My Presence is Everywhere
And all who came before me prepared the place
Where momentarily I would pause
And I in turn, make preparation
For all these who will follow me
I am a link in the chain of Life
That holds generations together
From the beginning of Time
To the end of Eternity
And thus, with this small act of Being
I have accomplished my purpose
I have fulfilled my destiny.
MSA

Legacy to My Descendants
I Am
I am Me
Because I am
You will Be.
I Was
Count me now another Star
Because I Was
You Are.

MSA
 
 

Paradox Discoveries
In my darkest night I found the light of my spirit
In the death of my dream was the birth of my hope
Through my very weakness I have found an iron strength
I am afraid, but even my fears lend me courage
My silent tears are heard only as laughter by others
I know that Life itself is an eternal process of Death.
The turmoil in my thoughts brings a tranquil resignation
And all physical pain is an unfelt sensation to my Soul.
In the midst of a crowded world I stand alone
But my very aloneness makes me one
With every other being.
We are each a person unto himself, and yet
Linked by humanity into an endless chain of Life.
Marga Nelle Stansell Armstrong

At fifteen  -
Time was something to endure

At fifty  -
A thing to savor.
1981

Marga Nelle Stansell Armstrong
 

"a poem about my youngest son"
My Dan

He wears the sunlight in his hair
The starlight in his eyes
His laughter like a bubbling stream
A cloud burst when he cries!
His touch is my command
He's everything to me, and more
He's my own little man
He's my son, my Dan.
He makes the world go 'round for me
Even when he's bad
(Like muddy tracks across the floor)
One smile can make me glad,
Even for all the extra work
He causes - and he can!
He's a boy doing things all boys do!
He's my own little man
He's my son, my Dan.
He scatters toys, books and clothes
Then goes outside to play
And takes for granted that I will
Put all those things away.
I scold him, even spank him
To make him understand
There are things he just must learn!
But he's still my little man
He's my son, my Dan.
When it seems that nothing is going right
And I'm filled with exasperation
One hug and "I love you, Mom"
Is my greatest inspiration
He instinctively knows when I need a lift
He'll reach out and take my hand
He's all the reasons for which I live
He's my own little man
He's my son, my Dan.
In the evening when bedtime comes
And He's tired from a long hard day
I put him to bed, tuck the covers around
And in my heart I say
A silent prayer of thanksgiving
As humbly as I can
That I was chosen to mother this child
My own little man
My son, my Dan
I kiss the freckled, turned up nose
He murmurs a sleepy "Goodnight"
Then snuggles contentedly against his pillow
Knowing everything is all right
I gently brush back the sun-kissed curls
And clasp his chubby hand
He's the promise of my own bright tomorrows
He's my own little man
He's my son, my Dan.
This sleeping child with angelic smile
Is my pride, my happiness
My life, my world, my universe!
Perhaps my greatest success.
Whatever his wants or needs may be
I'll provide, if I possibly can
He's my dreams of the past, vision of the future
He's my own little man
He's my son, my Dan.

MSA

One of the races Merle won

The Race
The deep and thund'rous drum-roll sound
Of hoof-beats flying over the ground
The excitement starts our hearts to pound!
The race!
The bits and stirrups flashing bright
The silks like gems caught in sunlight
Beneath the hooves the dust takes flight!
The race!
Around the turn - they're moving fast!
There!  The leader has just been passed!
One - oh, so far behind - last!
The race!
Horses!  As with the wind you run!
In only moments the race is done,
Defeat for all, save just the one.
The race!
Marga Nelle Stansell Armstrong
 

Loving Memory Two
 

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