Greg Olsen Poetry and Comments on his Art

http://www.rggallery.com/spiritual.php

Angels of Christmas

Nativity Figures from their box are retrieved
Near a crackling fire on a Christmas Eve.

Each is unwrapped with excited haste,
Then slowly, carefully, thoughtfully placed.

The scene comes to life when viewed by a child,
The babe seems to stir, and the mother just smiled.

Safeguarded here and kept far from danger,
The baby is kissed and laid in a manger.

This night is for children, and their spirits can lift us,
They are magic, the guardians, the "angels of Christmas."

Delicate Balance

Many of my nostalgic childhood memories have as their backdrop the posts and rails of my grandparent's front porch. Reminiscing about those carefree summer days brings back the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers, the aroma of baking gingersnaps and the taste of fresh lemonade. A squeaky wicker chair seemed to offer a front row seat to the rest of the world as it paraded by. The smooth painted rails were straight and narrow. They provided challenging balance beams that tested the sure-footedness of little feet. The sturdy porch posts were official places of safety during our neighborhood games of tag. That porch symbolized the security of home and family, where wisdom passed from one generation to the next. Years later, those simple lessons learned on that old front porch continue to add balance, perspective and enjoyment to my life.

- Greg Olsen

Airship Adventures

All aboard the kitchen table for a journey to the sky! It's now our magic airship, and it can really fly!

Off on new adventures, above the clouds we go. Sailing on imagination's breeze, we leave the earth below.

For fun we like to parachute and quietly float down, And have our vessel pick us up before we hit the ground.

Up here there are no limits to the sights one can see, And we think that we could sail forever into eternity.

Then comes the call that sends us home as fast as we are able, It's dinner time, and Mother says we have to set the table.

Confidant

It's so nice to have a friend
Who listens to every word you say.
Who always seems to be there
Any time of day.
One who loves you for who you are,
And knows just what you need.
One who shows they care about you
through little kindly deeds.
A friend who'll keep your trusted secrets
Never to reveal,
A friend like this is such a treasure
Especially when they are real!

Greg Olsen

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Fountains of My Youth

Fountains have long inspired thoughts of eternal youth and well-being. They have become a legendary site for registering those secret wishes of our hearts. Of course, we know that the fountain's powers are born purely of myth and fancy, and yet we are left to explain why it seems quite impossible, while splashing our bare feet in a fountain pool, to maintain any air of dignity or adult sophistication, or to keep at bay the wave of childish giddiness that floods over us. Why does some instinctive urge cause us to reach in our purse or pocket and cast our coins into the water and our wishes to the sky with all the hopefulness of a child?

Here at this fountain, within this villa fountain, you can take your shoes off, cool your feet, cast your coins and make your every wish come true.

- Greg Olsen

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Little Girls Will Mothers Be

A mother sits by her cradled child,
A Sunday sun warms the moment mild.
She sings lullabies and at storytime,
Reads fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

Pictures are painted with a tender voice,
Memories are made, lasting and choice.
Though the little one understands not a word being said,
It's the love that is heard, not the words that are read.

Down through the ages the scene will abide,
Of a small cooing babe and a mother beside.
Now look even closer at this mother petite,
No ring on her finger! Shoes? On the wrong feet!

And she can't really read to the child that we see,
But we smile 'cause the child is a doll and the mother's just three!
The pages are turned by a little girl,
Acting so motherly in her make-believe world.

She's learned by example and been endowed from above,
It seems very natural, this motherly love.
And so with turning pages we shall see,
That soon little girls will mothers be!

Greg Olsen

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Once upon a Time

Turn back the hands of time to days lived happily ever after, when fairy tale friends jumped from picture books into our rooms. They shared their stories with youngsters, bathed and ready for bed, dressed in flannel pajamas. They danced and played before our eyes, and their performance left us with vivid memories that are treasured, long after time has marched us far from childhood. There's a magical world in that book on the shelf, and turning its pages can set back the clock to a wonderful "once upon a time!"

- Greg Olsen

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Prelude

A blossoming young musician sits in quiet anticipation of her approaching performance. Tentative but talented, her music is waiting to be released.
Everyone has 'music' waiting to be released, and this young harpist is a reminder of that. So go on, let the performance begin!

- Greg Olsen

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Side by Side

Bosom buddies in a pillowed nest, snuggle safe and warm, side by side;
Bathed and fed and ready for bed, with giggles and whispers to confide.

Flannel-wrapped and satin-trimmed, to keep them nice and cozy,
With shiny hair so clean and fresh, their skin glows soft and rosy.

Sharing a favorite picture book, until both become sleepy-eyed,
Near or apart, within each heart, best friends forever...side by side.

Greg Olsen

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Summerhouse

Step inside the summerhouse and stay a little while,
Walk beneath the palm fronds across terra cotta tile.

Feel the sweet, damp air, warmed by sunlit windows,
Smell the lush green folliage, the blossoming primrose.

Birds sing their cheerful melodies, perched in victorian cages,
Their song songs are soothing remedies familiar through the ages.

Water cascades thransparently and trickles into pools,
Tiny droplets catch the sun and sparkle like rare jewels.

The garden in the summerhouse blooms in every season,
Year-round it is paradise--for this there is a reason:

Inside there is protection from the chilling winds that blow,
and the threat of killing frosts that lay the young blossoms low.

Deep inside the summerhouse is a refuge from the storm,
A place that's green and lush, a garden safe and warm.

Step inside your summerhouse and stay a little while,
Your cares will all evaporate on terra cotta tile.

Greg Olsen

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The Fraternity Tree

We certainly exalted it when we called it a "treehouse," that bunch of boards from Grandpa's scrap pile. It wasn't much more than a perch to ponder on, but to us it was our towering fortress, a lookout post over the kingdom which belongs to youth. Within the branches of that tree we felt invisible to earthbound eyes, the sun felt warm and calming, and loud-mouthed boys were quiet up there in our fraternity tree.

- Greg Olsen

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Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail

...Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

-D&C 122:7-9

Simeon reverencing the Christ child

The First Vision

I saw a pillar of light, exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me, I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17

Be Not Afraid

Like children who have lost their way
Alone and comfortless we wander.
Stumbling through woods that grow deep and ever darker,
with no direction, we cry for help
And hear our pleas echo through the canyons.
Is there anyone who can hear us?
Then, like a rushing wind, a voice whispers to our heart.
And through tear-filled eyes, we see an outstretched hand,
There to lead us home.
Though swirling streams may block our way
And slippery stones betray our feet,
He leads us on. He knows the way, His feet are sure,
And in Him we find safe passage.

- Greg Olsen

The framed, open edition version of this print includes a plaque with the inscription: "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2

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Forever and Ever

Surrounded by His enduring love, we are warm, safe and secure. That reassuring calm comes not by a spoken word or by gazing with our eyes upon His strong arms. It comes from the embrace which our heart feels and through the tender senses of our spirit. All around us we have the physical wonders and beauties of nature that bear the signature of their Creator and remind us of His enduring love. Although His presence is unseen by our eyes, His unending love is felt in our hearts.

- Greg Olsen

The framed, open edition version of this print includes a plaque with the inscription: "For lo, I am with you always..." Matthew 28:20

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In His Constant Care

Perhaps no other being in history has been the subject of more artwork than that of Christ. Artistic masters throughout the ages have been drawn to the challenge of portraying themes of inspiration and significance. The life of Christ is an enduring model of humility, compassion and love.

This painting is a visual reminder of one of His most comforting messages regarding the worth of each individual soul. "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7)

As I look at the intricate design of these little sparrows, experience tells me that where there is a design, there is a designer! It is a comforting thought to consider that somewhere there is a Creator who is aware of and has love for even the least of His creations. There is incredible intimacy in the vastness of this thought.

- Greg Olsen

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In His Light

I like to think that my paintings might remind people of where they can find their strength and comfort, and help reaffirm what's really important in their lives.

- Greg Olsen

In Remembrance of Me

Surrounded by His beloved apostles, this Last Supper marks the beginning of the end of Jesus' life on earth. Judas has silently departed and is on his way to complete his treacherous bargain. The time has come for Christ to 'suffer all things.' Though understandably apprehensive, and wishing, even praying, that this cup might pass from Him, nevertheless He submitted to the will of His Father.

- Greg Olsen

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O Jerusalem

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings..." this is a Messianic exclamation of profound concern and unconditional love for all who have lost their way and suffer under spiritual darkness. As the slanting rays of the sun reflect upon the roof tops of Old Jerusalem, Christ reflects upon His life's mission and upon those He came to serve and bless. His gaze takes in the glistening gold and marble of Herod's Temple and the smoke of burnt offerings upon the altar. He was keenly aware that soon He would offer Himself up as the true Passover Lamb -- "the Lamb of God." Here, upon the Mount of Olives, Jesus could see the day, like His mortal ministry, coming to a close. However, a new day always dawns and there is hope and comfort in His words, "lo, I am with you always." Just as He looked down upon the traveling pilgrims entering Jerusalem, He watches still from yet a higher vantage point, ready to extend His protective wing to all who seek Him.

- Greg Olsen

The framed, open edition version of this print includes a plaque with the inscription: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem..." Matthew 23:37

The Good Shepherd

The age-old symbol of the good shepherd has brought peace and comfort to the hearts of many throughout the years. The strong and watchful keeper of the flock who knows His sheep and is known by them, guides the sheep to green pastures and to still waters where they can graze and safely drink. He gathers them before the approaching storm and searches for those that may be lost. He places himself between danger and the flock He tends. His sheep recognize His voice and His call is a call to peace, safety and contentment.

- Greg Olsen