Miss Hyde

"Elegant and innocent", your paintings were often described. But they took them down from a show after protests were made. You stirred things up, you made people think, you challenged the times. Artist and teacher, you never grew tired, but kept on until you retired. A college Art Gallery bears your name, and supports new generations. You always encouraged your students to explore their own psyches, To speak in the "key" of their choices, be it "high" or be it "low". Above all, you talked about change, and encouraged all to jump in. I can see your brown hair, up in a bun, and the white lab coat you wore. I can hear your high heels clicking on the polished cement floors. If I close my eyes, I can still smell faint tobacco in the air, and paint. Your probing, honest way of critique is something I've missed. Out there in the ethers, I blow you a kiss, hoping that you are there. I am here, among others, remembering you and keeping in touch.