Rufine Napp
A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, Rufine Napp was known for her warm, outgoing personality and the deep love she had for her family and many lifelong friends. While those closest to her knew her as someone who cherished relationships and found joy in everyday life, she also possessed a quieter creative side that remained largely private for many years.
In 1991, Rufine began writing poetry, discovering a new artistic outlet through the written word. Her poems became a thoughtful reflection of her observations, emotions, and experiences. Although she made one attempt to publish her work in the late 1990s, her poetry remained known only to family and close friends during her lifetime.
Like many artists whose work is created for personal expression rather than public recognition, Rufine wrote because she felt compelled to create. Today, her poetry offers an intimate glimpse into her imagination and serves as a lasting reminder that creativity can emerge at any stage of life. Through her words, her voice continues to be heard and appreciated by new readers.
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Love is not forever
One dreams of love that never vanishes
Only to realize that to have and to hold is just a fantasy
My love is everyone
So that I can live and share the love I own
I have no more heartaches, pain or longing
I only have the peace that my own love brings
Love is family, friends and neighbors
It is a different life to live
But if you try it
You’ll love it
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I woke up this morning and the sun was shining so bright
High in the sky
When noon came the clouds covered the sun
And the sky became very dark
In only minutes came the lightning, thunder and then the rain
It lasted about an hour
Then out came the sunshine back in the sky
And a beautiful rainbow
What makes a rainbow?
I thought for a second and realized the sky is filled with magic
So many things happen in the sky
Like lightning, thunder and rain
And at the end of the performance
To make things better and give us a smile
What else?
A rainbow
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No greater love for me
Than to be sailing on the sea
I had this yearning
In my early beginning
But I had to grow older
To set for sea
Now I’m sailing on the sea
I have my love you see
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My hands are folded as in prayer
It’s a way for one to touch oneself
By this you know how your hand feels
When touched by someone else
In this touch a love can unfold
That can be a loving touch forever
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In time of parting
My world around me is very sad
To go on seems so heavy
And life goes on
The memories slowly disappear
Each new day you will start to notice
How much more you understand
Why things do happen
Only time, patience and your love will let you know
