My memories: our childhood pranks,
While she, with admonition sweet,
From babyhood to manhood frail -
My memories: her kindly eyes;
Her message - ere she fell asleep:
FLORENCE B. TAYLOR,
And Mother's gentle little spanks.
Our trudge to school, my hand in hers,
Avoiding Spanish-needles, burrs;
Would guide my erring little feet.
Yes, in that gallery of my mind
A thousand pictures I can find -
And not one picture is for sale.
A sister's faith, divine, to see
The good, the strong, the wise in me.
Her gentle voice, wherein there lies
A Christian steadfastness; her hand
So soft: it said, "I understand."
These are things that I shall keep.
Cleveland, Ohio