DTN Poetry

These poems have been selected from the papers of David T. Nelson and authorship is given to him unless otherwise noted. Poems written by Henriette C. K. Naeseth and Paul Koren are also included.

With the exception of those indicated as “Untitled”, the names of the poems are those given by the author. Any changes or additions from the originals are included in brackets [ ].

Since some readers may not be familiar with all the references in the poems, the following explanatory notes are included.

• L. C.: Luther College

• To Dad: David’s father, N. D. Nelson in Mayville, North Dakota.

• To Betty: David’s daughter, Hannah Elizabeth (Nelson) Seegmiller.

• To Arlene and John : David’s son, John and Arlene Louise Olsen

• For Tres and Rudolph: Theresa (Nelson) Estrem, David’s sister

• Dr. George Torrison: A doctor in Chicago who was an uncle of David’s wife, Esther (Torrison).

• The Old Guard: A group of men in Decorah who, as the poem relates, enjoyed their get-togethers. On the evening of this party, celebrating the 70th birthday of Doctor O. Boe, David and his family were in Parkland, Washington where David was spending the year teaching at Pacific Lutheran College. There is a charming letter written after the party by Mrs. Boe to Esther Nelson, telling about the evening, the fun the men had, and especially the food, including a salmon that David apparently had sent from Washington. Women were not invited as guests to these events, but if food was involved, they were asked to serve it.

All Poems. (download the document)