My Grandma

Grandma was no Ugly-Duckling,
In her day.
She had a taste for beauty,
In a stylish way.

For she could wear a bustle,
And gather in the hips.
With tucks...and bows...and ribbons,
Above a dozen slips.

And she could put her hair up high,
And act with grace.
And she could wear bright broaches,
And put her combs in place.

If she could wear her walking shoes,
All neatly laced.
And with the corset around her,
Have it fully braced.

Then she would be an equal,
To Mary Ann and Sadie.
And in the social world of things,
They'd say she was a lady.

E.P. 1908 - 1989