More Rhyme and Reason

About the Book

Writing rhymes began in 1945, my senior year at Nebraska University. The students were preparing a stage production to celebrate the end of World War II. I was asked to write a song and sing it. I did it and my joy in writing rhymes began.

I don’t think I ever sat down just for the purpose of writing a rhyme. There was always a motive like birthdays or special events. The cover of my first book and this one really sums it up-People, Places, Passion, Purpose. It wasn’t very long that I learned my rhymes were best when inspired by God. The readers and time tell the most about a book. A priest that I know called to tell me that he read “The Parish Shepherd,” the first thing each morning. A second priest said he used the poem “TWO PLANS” when he spoke to a group of ladies.

In this book More Rhyme and Reason, the poems came from the same kind of inspirations. One of the best I have written is first in this book, “The Politician.” Some poems are happy rhymes, for birthdays or anniversaries. Some are of places traveled. I like to write rhymes that teach and hopefully there will be fulfillment. If a poet inspired me in my student days it was Longfellow. I have always strived to achieve a message with perfect rhyme and meter. If any reader of my writing is entertained and gratified, I have achieved my goal.

Enjoy!

About the Author

Russ Leger was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1923. Elmwood was home until 1935 when the family moved to Burchard, Nebraska. The 6'4" right-hander pitched 3 of 4 games to make Burchard the Class "C" State Champion in 1941, his senior year. After his University of Nebraska days, he began a career in broadcasting, entertainment, and selling. Since last publication, his devoted wife Rosemarie died August of 2006. Their family consists of 7 sons, 1 daughter, 21 grandchildren, and 13 great grand children.