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JOAN OF SMART by: Dean Glorso
Even in tired clothing, Mum always looked stately to me
Born modest in Wisconsin, her father survive the Great War
A West Allis drafter, he married a college girl
But cancer snatched his love
Joan was left motherless at the young age of seven
The death brought her duty too young
She prized a sister age four, and a brother age two
Exiled to Todd County, she lived with her Auntie
The South Dakota Mission taught her faith to survive
The plight of the Natives, taught her love
Her wits were honed keen in the Sand Hills of Nebraska
The Nuns taught her poise and dignity, Saint Mary�s, O�Neill
Hope came to her at the place where Crazy Horse died
An Italian-American warrior sang in the cafe�
Words grabbed her heart, the union began
Then off to war he�d ride
Feeling the need to bond with Italian family
She moved to Chicago, pregnant with child
In the foreign city of in-laws and out-laws
Communications failed
Exiled again, she and her babe found shelter
In the Army of Salvation
While the Army of War fought on
The aid of strangers shaped friends
The struggle continued when her hero returned
The song in his voice scratched by War
The bloodless wounds that trauma can bring
Changed the man she loved
Four more children blessed the couple�s life
The Greatest Generation passes on
The knowledge and smarts of Mother�s like Joan
Filters on to us now
Learn more. Love more from women of the past
May the grace of God let unions last
Keep smart thoughts at the surface of your mind
For life is filled with change, and wars bring out the wrath of man
