Poetic Reflections ─ A Missionarie Remembers

Prior to his departure to serve as a Family History missionary in Salt Lake City, Frank wrote a poem about both the wonderment of his "call" and of what lay in wait for him. His concerns about his age and poor health were soon dismissed upon his arrival in the mission field when Frank noticed that there were many who suffered far more than he, thus inspiring a poem about the willingness of others to serve God despite major obstacles in their lives. He recited this poem as part of his three minute introduction and arrival speech to his missionary group, many of whom requested a copy. Working in the Genealogy Library, Frank helped in the restoration of books and assisted his wife as lab photographer. He continued to write poems as missionaries entered and departed the mission and was quickly dubbed the "lab poet." Instead of writing a traditional daily journal, his wife suggested that he write his feelings and thoughts through poetry. This challenge helped Frank occupy his mind in a positive direction while struggling with daily health trials and his poetry journal evolved into this book, a compilation of heartfelt, inspired and jovial poems.