Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Contentment After Eight Decades. My world has been filled with a good childhood, With the nurturing of two loving and attentive parents, Exciting education, three major wars, Civil Rights struggles, acting upon pacifism, Exciting biological work and discovery, Learning to fly and to organically farm, and fundraising for the planet. And lastly, from my Pictish ancestry to hand carve petroglyphs, Now distributed throughout the world. Of course so much of this was shared and aided with my incredible wife, Nora. So much in one human life--Enriching. Now, my body has slowed down, To pursue less physically strenuous endeavors. My thoughts and mind must continuously constrain My former natural instincts to be able to accomplish 'everything'. I wake in the morning to view from bed and opening eyes, My Betta fish swimming up and down in their large vase aquaria, To gulp air, they being obligate, labyrinth breathers. I have studied their biology and joy in their every gulping breath. Recalling the past, During feeding, my gentle Scottish Highland Steer ate from my hand. I have had many flocks of sheep, grazing down the pastures, preventing fire risk. After constructing acres of ponds, Casting feed out to waiting, excited catfish swirling the water. Planting thousands of bulbs which colored my fields every spring, Ready to harvest for waiting Farmers Markets. (I also led a CalTrans Highway flower project on I 80 and 113, lasting 3 years.) Upon learning California flora, I have seeded many species of native grass, One of which I got designated as the official State Grass, Along with planting many types of trees and shrubs. I had one set of two grandsons who shared these joys (Plus two sons who grew up amongst all this) And now a three year old grandson Who is just beginning to learn and enjoy it all. I continue to use my creation here to edify visitors about their native environment. Learning, creating and teaching to increase awareness Has given me my now final contentment, following my eight decades on this earth. Frank Maurer 2 June 2024 0350 Hours.