Monday, August 22, 2016

FIRST PUPPY OUT OF THE BOX--CELEBRATING DARLENE


WHAT'S IT LIKE HAVING A WHIRLWIND FOR A SISTER?---IT'S EXCITING AND INSPIRATIONAL.
Years often go by before I actually lay eyes on her.  That's why I treasure this picture from my archives because in 2013 we accidently crossed paths in a small town in Louisiana and she had a few minutes to spend with me in my rig.  Here is the great lady herself at my humble table eating something I whipped up.


Also from my archives when she was in town to address some group or other.  Her official title is DOCTOR DARLENE because she has a PHD.

I've asked her office to send me some official picts of her.  If they do I will post them.

Today is her birthday---an approriate time to introduce her to my readers.  I will try to give you some sense of her with this poem.

                DARLENE:
FIRST PUPPY OUT OF THE BOX


From a litter of puppies you must have seen
that special one, given by nature
an extra measure of spirit; and so
is first to climb out of its box;
daring to go when others stay.


Like that puppy, Darlene was first out of the box.
The whole community saw that it was so!


And there was more: Nature granted her
an extra measure of imagination;
visions of new possibilities.
I have always stood in awe
at the boldness of her actions.


At age 13 she rented a local school building;
produced and starred in
a packed house variety show
that entertained our whole town.
We gladly paid the twenty five cents admission.


For a lifetime she has amused and inspired us
with her enterprises.
Her adventures are legendary
too numerous to recount---
and have spanned the globe!


For a lifetime she has led her friends and family
out of the box: to Jerusalem, Ireland, Australia, Iran;
84 countries in total.
She seduced thousands into her adventures.

Dance was and is her enduring passion,
made most visible in a ballroom setting;
gliding with graceful swirls and energetic snaps;
sexy to this very day.



Obstacles and mishaps have not dampened her spirit.
Moving through them, she stands bold and lively at eighty.


She has been a pioneer for a new ethic of joy;
casting aside drudgery, damnation and dullness.

Were she born to royalty
she could have ruled a great nation.


Personalities that combine Vision with Boldness
likely led humanity down from the trees and out of our caves,
and are our best hope for a happy tomorrow.


I love and admire you my sister
and celebrate your special gifts and contribution
on this special day--Aug 22nd


Poppy



2 comments:

  1. Awesome tribute to a great lady -- not many can boast of travelling to that many countries. She reminds me of Lady Jane -- wife of the famous British Artic explorer Sir John Franklin -- described many times as "extraordinary". I just finished reading 'The Man Who Ate His Boots' by Anthony Brandt and got to know her fairly well. :o) It was great meeting you last year at The Slabs -- it will be our primary winter destination this year as well -- love that place.
    JIM & ANNIE
    sailingondryland.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a beautiful tribute to your sister.

    ReplyDelete