Songs of Life

Having lived over 90 years on this earth, Ralph epitomized those who make the most of their opportunities. However, as many in the generation which faced the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, World War II, the Atomic Age and Cold War, Korea and Vietnam as well, Ralph held himself accountable for creating his own opportunities.

People of Ralph's age know how to "go visiting," write a letter and then get it to the Post Office, and not only take time to ask "how is the family doing" but also to listen for the response. I will miss listening to his stories about traveling throughout the United States. There were only a few states to which he hadn't ventured. He would show up in a new city, cetified as an electrician, present his Union Card at the Local Shop and then be sent out on a job.

Ralph was a fan of the Grand Ole Opry and traveled with guitar in hand. Not only did he have an ear for music but he had a way with words as well. After his beloved wife Cleo passed away, Ralph spent the last years of his life expressing himself through poetry. Following is the poem which he considerd his best:

The Beauty of Nature

The beauty of nature, around me abounds

A gentle breeze, a soft humming sound

The trees so stately, and so tall

The green and the cool, a walker's delight

In the cool of the evening, day turns to night

Moon beams filtering, through the pines

Shadows dancing, silent peace is mine

The golden sunset, the scarlet sunrise

Majestic mountains, green valleys below

The ocean so vast. tides rising high and low

The beautiful eagle, symbol of our land

Waterfalls, the rivers, created by God's hand

Spring has arrived, the birds too

The trade winds, a soft gentle breeze

Over the reef, the coral and the sea

Palm trees swaying, 'neath a golden moon

An enchanted evening, nature in bloom

The lilacs, the pansies and roses too

Bowing to our knees, we should say

Thank you Lord, for nature each day

by Ralph Crabtree