These I Remember

About the Book

This book describes my experiences with animals to the present time. Some of these were quite out of the ordinary, both as to the animals involved and the situations that occurred. Looking back, it seems almost impossible and definitely inadvisable that some of these happenings did in fact take place, yet they did. I have always felt a strong love for all wildlife. Certainly U know where U stand with them rather than have to guess as with many humans.

About the Author

I was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1915 and raised in various areas of California and Washington. I served in World War II as a US Navy SeaBee for three years at Pearl Harbor and the Ellice Islands. I was a roofing contractor for most of my life in Northern California, living in San Francisco, Marin County, and for the past many years in Sonoma County. I have retired three times and I'm still a semi-active roofer at age 87. I started writing prose and poetry about my experiences, both real and imagined, after my wife passed away in 1994. My favorite poem is included. My hobbies other than writing are watching wildlife, fishing, motorcycling, and dancing.

The Flower

by roy harding

One day I was strolling through a large garden, enjoying the myriad colors and odors furnished by the flowers. There were many varieties, some rather plain and sedate, others flamboyant, but each seemed to have a purpose and reason for existing and bringing joy to those fortunate enough to observe them.

I thanked God for having created them. As I bent down to touch and smell a particularly interesting bloom, a strange thing happened. Perhaps I can tell the story in rhyme.

It was a warm summer day
I had time to play
And so I did
I rode to a hill quite high
In a town nearby
Where there was an estate almost hid

A long private drive
Flanked by trees alive
Led up to a massive gate
There was a high iron fence
Behind which was shrubbery dense
Not inviting with nothing to elate

But as I turned to go away
The gardener spied me and he did say
"Would you like to see my flowers?
I have grown so many
And there are scarcely any
Who come here amongst the bowers."

Of course I said yes
But had no guess
How large the garden was
To my great delight
It was an inspiring site
And I could hear the honey bees buzz

As by each row and bed
With yet still more ahead
I slowly passed along
It seemed I could feel
A peace that did heal
For each plant murmured a song

To one that I noted
I became instantly devoted
And as I leaned over to get nearer
This most unusual bloom
Whispered "I am Emily and in my heart there is room
For you to become much dearer."

Even though time has gone by
There is no way that I
Could ever forget that one
Her sweet demeanor
Has made my life keener
And our lives have barely begun

Emily was my wonderful wife who went Home in 1994