A POEM In Memory of Nancy BRATAAS
This ornamental garden pot was one of Nancy's garden treasures. It is now planted by Jane with feisty, brawling blooms of begonias worthy of Nancy's impactful spirit! An admirable, formidable person
With purpose and strength
Undaunted by goals
Or timelines of length
Energetic, tenacious
Voracious, loquacious
Impatient when issues were stalled
Eager when problems could be resolved
Unreached goals in higher education
Included statewide campus consolidation
But a lifetime goal achieved realization
A university of Minnesota campus-- a model for the nation
A leader, a pioneer, her place in history
Due to her diligence- no mystery here
A remarkable woman, a productive life
Not without controversy or strife
She was sometimes charming
Sometimes disarming
But always focused on the goal
Singleminded, convince or cajole
A force in local and national elections
A legend in voter turnout projections
Presidents, Governors, legislators each mostly a winner
Always a full blown professional Never a beginner
Her family remembers a caring mother
Unconventional maybe like no other
But the energy and strong focus of her love
For her children and grandchildren
Mountains she'd move
The delicate and various flowers she'd grow
Nothing simple like row on row
But masses of blooms and rambling
rivers of colors on the hillside
Shared with generosity and rightful pride
Few can claim so many victories
In a lifetime of accomplishments
While the frenetic pace wound down to cease
She has earned the right to rest in peace.
God bless.
Jane Belau
Rochester poet laureate
2014
