Garrison Kiellor

 

You know we all have our hero’s

and Garrison Keillor happens to be

one of mine —

 

I have often contempleted why, since

I have never met the man or even been

to one of his shows, yet I feel I know him

a little – or maybe he knows me -

being a native of  Lake Wobegon originally,

being a member of  that society of good people –

rubarb pie people -

 

Yes, those are my people,

who in winter identified themselves with

hand jestures because it is to cold to talk -

Strong people that work together, drink together

and pray together

then go home and talk about each other,

but all in good taste, you know -

 

“Did you see Margaret Hansen?  She was making

eyes at Ollie Walters, I wonder if Mrs. Walters

took notice?” 

 

Yes, those are my people – so when

Garrsion starts talking I feel right at home so

much so I pour a cup of coffee and pull

a frozen chocalate chip cookie out

of the freezer and quietly listen – that is

my ticket home, that is a time of reflection- 

 

I have thought alot about this

and I don’t think it is the red shoes

or the suit that do it for me,

no, I think not.  But, I do believe it is the manner

of speaking and the tone of his voice, yes I do believe

that is it, the thing that calls me back to listen

again and again.   It calms me that voice.

It calms me  like the vision of those

church steeples  when approaching

Lake Wobegon

knowing I will find,

 good, strong people

 waiting there.                     bkm   2009

 

 

I left Minnesota in 1971 – but like most things in our childhood the good remains – and the memories of  my Lake Wobegon life will be forever with me.