State Senator Nancy Brataas1928-2014
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Poet  Laureate  of  Rochester  Jane  Belau  

5/3/2014

2 Comments

 

A  POEM  In  Memory  of  Nancy  BRATAAS

PictureThis 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


2 Comments
friend3
5/4/2014 10:17:01 pm

Yes! So true!

Reply
Paige
5/5/2014 12:19:06 am

A great poem for an amazing woman!

Reply



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    Memorials

    Memorials may be made to Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Rochester; Clearway Minnesota—or any cause of your choosing that needs help. Nancy was here to help; she believed we all are.

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