The Poetry of Lou Hall

Throughout most of the '70s I worked with Lou Hall at Wyle Labortories, El Segundo, California. Lou became a close friend to Lydia and myself. She would very often produce both serious and witty verse. Lou could use the most mundane as an excuse to break into rhyme. Examples of her work are presented here - just too good to keep to ourselves. Over the last twenty-two years or so we have lost track of Lou. Wherever you are Lou Hall, we love you and we miss you. Interestingly, Lou's son Jim is one of the most accomplished and renown jazz guitarists the U.S. has produced. (We received a message recently from Lou's Granddaughter Devra informing us that Lou had passed away in 1993. Lou was living in the West Los Angeles-Santa Monica area throughout the time we were in contact, but unbeknownst to us had moved near her son Richard in San Diego. Jim's daughter Devra, Lou's granddaughter, has a wonderful web site for her father. Please visit it at Lushlife. Thank you Devra for your kind note.)

July 18, 1969
In Lou's words: "This poem was inspired by a banner headline in the Los Angeles TIMES,
after launching of the Apollo 11. It brought to my mind that indeed all was well aloft,
with God in command of our Universe, and that despite this proud moment in the history of our country,
we should stop to acknowledge and give thanks that 'All's Well Aloft.' "

ALL'S WELL ALOFT! I stood among the doubters who proclaimed that God is dead! And my heart was sorely sickened at the angry words they said. "It is not true!" I whispered - so afraid to speak aloud. But my protest went unnoticed in the angry, milling crowd. They soon were gone, still shouting - crucifying once again, Denying God's existence and the very soul of man. I stood transfixed in silence - stunned at what they'd said, How dare they raise their voices proclaiming God is dead? I stayed there in the darkness, and my heart was sad and lone, For I knew that by my silence, I, too, had cast a stone. With up-turned face I sought Him, filled with anguish, guilt, and fear, But the Glory of the Heavens brought me comfort - God was near! Then I knew despite the shadows God was never very far, For He sent His loving message through each shiny, twinkling star. And I thought of all the turmoil caused by doubting folks who scoffed, But His Presence softly whispered, "Fear not - all's well aloft!" Silently I stood there as the darkness turned to dawn, Long-since the angry shouting of the mob had dimmed and gone. Then - the glory of the sunrise burst forth o'er all the land - High above the mountain tops its beauty took command! "GOD LIVES!" it sang in triumph - "Now let the earth proclaim The Glory of His Presence, for it always will remain. His name outlives the doubters through the ages, who have scoffed, For despite their angry protests - Behold! All's well aloft!" Slowly, I descended from the rocky mount above, My heart filled with the beauty and abundance of His love! Below, the mighty ocean, with grand, majestic roar Joined in joyful cadence, "GOD LIVES FOREVERMORE!" And soon I, too, was shouting so that all would surely hear, "GOD LIVES WITHIN THE SOUL OF MAN! Proclaim it loud and clear! Behold the mighty Universe, all ye who loudly scoffed, He speaks through all Creation, 'Fear not - All's well aloft!' "

Because God Cared One day I got to thinking how this old world might have been Had I not felt the outstretched hand of you, my cherished friend! So many times I'm grateful for the things you do and say, Guess I've never really told you - let me do so now, today. It could have been a lonely world where no one seemed to care, But God looked down and saw the need, and placed your friendship there. It must have been a dreary world with shadows o'er each mile 'Til he took a ray of sunshine just to place within your smile. It might have been a world so cold and empty ' from the start, But he gathered all the warmth he held, to sprinkle in your heart. Because God cared, he filled his world with flowers, skies of blue - Still he saw a world that needed love and he sent it down through you!

This poem was written at our request for our 1974 Christmas card:

Christmas at Our House Christmas is Mistletoe. - lights on a tree, Christmas is Children - hearts full of glee, Bells sweetly ringing - filling the air, Carolers singing on streets, everywhere. Christmas is Holly - hung high on the door, Christmas is Laughter - but Christmas is more! It's the Bethlehem Star, whose light filled the earth With Wonder and Glory at the Holy Child's birth. Christmas is caring for folks, as they are, Fulfilling the promise made by that Star. Bringing Hope to Mankind - a Faith that endures - It's Christmas at our House!   How about yours?

Wyle Labs was an acoustics laboratory so Lou was surrounded
by sound engineers and equipment.

Typist's Lament I wonder why I sit alone With my electric Dictaphone While other girls, not half so bright Can capture any guy in sight? Could it be for my intellect That I must suffer such neglect? Or does my beauty frighten you Who think I never could be true? I wish I were a Movie Queen Emoting on the silver screen Where I could meet a guy profound - Instead of one just wired for sound!

Lou wrote this poem for me to present to Lydia.

Because I Love You So many ways I'd say "I love you, dear!" Try to describe what lies within my heart - To tell you all those things you want to hear, But words alone, can never quite impart. I lie beside you through each restless night Alone with thoughts - I'm sure, the same as you, And though you may not guess, I share your fright And wonder, sometimes, if you love me, too. I reach out in the darkness - touch your hand Or feel your body, heavy now in birth, And pray to God that you may understand You are the dearest thing to me on earth! Because I am a man, it's hard to speak - To bear my heart and soul - but hope you know I hide these thoughts lest you will think me weak, But oh, my dear, I truly love you so!

I came to Lou's desk to announce Lara's birth.
She was not there, so I left candy for her. This was her reply:

A Little Gift The phantom struck whilst you were out - The blow was soft - please have no doubt! Because she likes you as you are - She left you, these - - but no cigar!!!!

One hot day a blade on Lou's fan broke -
This was her humorous way of asking me to repair it.

You've heard of the girl with a broken heart I'm sure - for they're varied and many, But have you heard the sad tale I now would impart - Of the girl with the broken fanny? Oh, it's not what it seems! I hasten to add - For her fan is of metal and rubber But the fact that it's broken is really quite sad For without it, our damsel will smother!! It seems that one blade has split quite in two And though it revolves as it uster I thot that perhaps you would know what to do - Such as adding a wee bit of glue, sir!

I Love You Now and Forever           "If you're ever going to love me, love me now, while I can know           All the sweet and tender feelings which from real affection flow.           Love me now, while I am living; do not wait till I am gone           And then chisel it in marble. . .warm love words on ice-cold stone.           If you've dear, sweet thoughts about me, why not whisper them to me.           Don't you know 'twould make me happy and as glad as glad could be?           If you wait till I am sleeping ne'er to waken here again,           There'll be walls of earth between us and I couldn't hear you then.           So, dear, if you love me any, if it's but a little bit,           Let me know it now while living; I can own and treasure it."

Lydia often sent jars of homemade jams and jellies for Lou.
I found this note sticking out of an empty jar -
She had run out!

The jar is quite empty - you plainly can see, But the same can't be said about li'l ole me! The jar was once full of dee-lishous jelly - No more!   No siree!   It's now in my belly!                               Jelly Roll Hall

One of several poems Lou wrote for the births of Lara & Erik:

To an Unborn Child To a very precious baby, soon to make your grand debut - What a wond'rous world of "magic" is awaiting one small you! There's the magic of your mother's love, waiting since the start Of the gentle, rhythmic beating of your tiny unborn heart. And a 'special' world of magic locked within her warm embrace, As she clasps you to her bosom and beholds your tiny face. There's the magic of her gentleness you'll feel all through the years, And the tender understanding as she wipes away your tears. And you'll marvel at her beauty - like an angel, shining bright, Golden, glowing, gracious, as she guards you day and night. There's the magic of a father, strong and tall - and very kind, And you'll learn to seek his wisdom: know the greatness of his mind. The stories he can tell you, and the problems he can solve Oh, you'll find your wond'rous, magic world around these two, revolve. But perhaps the greatest magic lies within the soul of you! It will cast its spell upon us, and will last our whole lives through. It's the magic of your downy head, soon snuggled on our breast, And as tiny baby fingers soon within our own are pressed. We'll see it in your baby smile, cherubic, warm and gay, Hear it in your lilting laughter, ringing as you play. Sometimes impish, sometimes angel - sometimes grave, demure and shy, Always seeking, always searching, and forever asking "why?" Thank thee, Father, for this blessing! For this child, a part of you - May he learn to know thy presence - may he grow serene and true!

Lou was very appreciative of Lydia's kindness -
She often sent baked goods, jams-jellies, and the like.
We were living in Westminster, CA at the time.
Lara had just arrived, Bob was 15, Erik was a year-or-so away.

To the Westminster Wizard Have you heard of the Wizard out Westminster way? There's nothing at all she can't do - so they say! She has more tricks of magic up one little sleeve! More legerdemain than you'd ever believe!! Can she can? Can she cook? Can she bake up a storm? Can she darn? Can she sew? You should see her perform! What would you want of Dior or Daché When Lydia Stambaugh's much better than they? Her latest production now tops all the rest - While they all are unequaled - we think this one's best! For she's proudly announced (with credits to Dick!) Her latest, most fabulous, fantastic trick!! With the smile of a Sorceress casting her spell, She proclaimed she had something "top secret" to tell! A new little daughter had made her debut And soon would be casting her own magic, too! Now there's Lydia, Dick, wee Lara, and Bob - Quite a crew! Quite a coven! In fact, quite a mob! And a "Mob of nice people" is never too much! To a weary old world, adds an elegant touch! So here's to that Wizard out Westminster way! May your Magic keep casting its spell every day! And thank you for sharing with us, every trick - Your talents, yourself - Bob, Lara, and Dick!

Lara was born June 22, 1974. Lou wrote this poem on that day for her:

To Lara Elizabeth Dear little Lara, with eyes bright and true, Cuddlesome, huggable, lovable you ! We have waited so long for your moment of birth, And this world does not hold an exchange for your worth ! Your two arms possess all the comfort we know, And the smile in your eyes dims the sun with its glow ! A sight to behold is your cherubic grin That springs from a heart full of mischief, within. Your innocent gaze puts the angels to shame, And a small bit of heaven dropped down, when you came ! Your soft, baby hands within ours are pressed, And your wee, downy head lies close to our breast. Little you know, snuggled close in our arms How much that we love you, and would shield you from harms ! Or that mommy and daddy have dreams, just for you - And a prayer in our hearts that those dreams will come true ! Welcome, dear daughter! May each year ahead Return in full measure the joy you have spread ! May you grow gracious, and kindly, and true - Dear little Lara, that's our wish for you !