In the previous poem Johan, I spoke of my admiration. As one might expect, the circumstances that led to the poem's presentation took on its own special ambiance. The Greggs, Patrick and I were invited to Johan and Sigga Bonnevie's home for dinner.

Barry Gregg is the N.Z. teacher with whom I did the exchange in 1980-81. My wife Jan and I have stayed in contact over the years. During our four returns to N.Z., we always spent one or two nights with the Greggs. Patrick and I are doing the same. Barry is retired from the Teachers College, even though he still does some student-teacher supervision, and Lyn Gregg is the headmistress of an outstanding private school in Palmerston North.

Little did I know that besides delivering my poem that I would be drawn into a larger narrative about heritage, history, and love. We discovered that Johan and Sigga planned to celebrate their Golden Anniversary the following week. Also, they talked of their trip to Iceland to trace Sigga's roots which took them back hundreds of years. Johan spoke of the recent book he edited regarding early Norwegian immigrants to N.Z. They also reminisced about how they met aboard a ship following World War II and how they eventually wed and raised a family This sentimental, personal walk with me as the observer generated the poem An Evening at Johan's and Sigga's. This poem became my anniversary gift to them.
Sigga and Lyn and Johan and Barry in the yard before going inside for our delicious dinner and a delightful evening of conversation

An Evening at Johan's and Sigga's

Halfway around the world I traveled
To deliver my poem
To a mentor and a friend
Instead I traveled a journey in time
Hearing of young immigrants from Norway
Traveling by ship to the Land of the Long White Cloud
Each searching for a new life

Fifty years will have passed in a few days
Since they wed and shared their life together
I heard of roots dating centuries ago to Iceland
Of travels and family
Of challenges met
Of life and death

I listened almost as a silent witness
As two young people grew old together
Almost before my eyes
Trips to Sixtus Lodge
Both past and future

I looked at my old friend and thought
Of my life, a much different journey
But our paths had crossed
And at this moment in time
I walked with them
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