JI
Aryan Culture
Jinamanjari
Vol. 29 · No. 01
Jinamanjari
Positive Approach: Loss Dissolves All Loss
2004Vol. 29 · No. 01pp. 10
Early Life & Family • Born on October 29, 1898, in Kellogg, Iowa, to parents Fernando Wiet Shields and Louisa Ellen (Jones) Shields. • Married Nellie Naomi Myers (1899–1978) on November 25, 1920; they had at least one son, Chester Arthur. Career & Life in Colorado • Moved to Colorado, where he farmed in Olathe from 1917 to 1925, then worked as a projectionist at the Kiva Theater in Durango. Poet Laureate of Colorado • Appointed Poet Laureate of Colorado in 1954 by Governor Dan Thornton, he served in this role until 1975—spanning more than two decades. • He was the fourth Poet Laureate of Colorado, following Alice Polk Hill, Nellie Burget Miller, and Margaret Clyde Robertson. Works & Style • Published several poetry collections, including: o Colorado (1943) o Dirty Face (1944) o Burning Weeds (1945) o Static Land (prose, 1948) o Engine 315 (1958) o Patterns for Patriotism (1958). • Known for a traditional poetic style, favoring iambic pentameter and poems that celebrated official state events—such as “Colorado Day, 1954,” which opens with: “Across this land a throbbing cavalcade of days and men forged flaming destiny…”. Cultural Contributions & Recognition • In 1962, Shields was featured in a Denver Post photograph (via Getty Images) documenting him presenting 51 items of international significance to the Colorado Historical Society. These included poems he composed for and sent to foreign dignitaries, receiving responses from figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Syngman Rhee, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Haile Selassie. Later Life & Passing • Milford E. Shields passed away in February 1979 in Durango, Colorado. • After his death, he received a Masonic funeral, reflecting his affiliation with Durango Lodge No. 46, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Colorado. Born October 29, 1898, Kellogg, Iowa Died February 1979, Durango, Colorado Poet Laureate Tenure 1954–1975 Major Works Colorado, Dirty Face, Burning Weeds, Static Land, Engine 315, Patterns for Patriotism Style Traditional, formal meter, patriotic themes Notable Recognition Presented international poems, Masonic funeral