Classic Poem

On Echols Street in Sixty Three
There was some 'painting' done,
And those who did that painting
Said it was a lot of fun.

For Gerry, it was more like 'work: '
To paint walls in her house.
Her husband joined to help her,
For, if not, he'd be a 'louse.'

Two friends on Echols Street then learned
That Gerry had a wall:
So big.... and clean.... and empty,
But, no art to hang at all.

They felt, 'in her condition, '
She could not go shopping much...
For paintings, pictures, ornaments:
Those things we hang, and such.

They got the idea that
They 'really' could 'paint' too,
To help the situation,
And to show they were 'true blue.'

With canvass, brushes, oils,
And their lovely color schemes,
They set to work, each striving
To produce a pleasant scene.

That they succeeded.... well, just look:
Upon that grateful wall:
Where Gerry hung those paintings up,
Without a strain at all.

So, Charlotte's peaceful street at dusk,
And Peggy's basket bright,
Are blended in a nice effect,
A true aesthetic sight.

The Gardners have some culture now....
That's not the only part;
The paintings show that.... best of all....
Those gifts are from the heart.


(Written in recognition of two paintings, one each given to Gerry
by our good neighbors, Charlotte O'Hara and Peggy Youngblood in Vienna, Virginia, during September 1963.)