Esther’s apartment is almost the same
As it was when she lived in its space.
Her son and her daughter-in-law (my dear friend)
Live there now and her vibe they embrace.
All her furniture’s there and her dishes and lamps
And the paintings of many a child
(Even Esther), plus one of a rabbi and all
By her father, professionally styled.
For the last twenty years of her life, Esther made
The apartment a welcoming home,
Where her family, including great-grandchildren, came,
Never thinking they’d be in a poem.
But my favorite thing was the album, quite big,
Of her wedding, a gala affair,
All the images captured in black and white shots
With a true 1950-type flair.
Esther’s spirit lives on, which would not be the case
If my friend and her husband weren’t there,
But they’ve honored her past as their future is made
Which, to me, seems so special and rare.
For a date at eight she bathes at five.
In tons of bubble bath,
Barricades her boudoir door,
Eau de cologne marks her path!
Her lingerie must be 'just so',
A froth of frills and lace.
Down with the curlers, up with the hose,
The womanly task of 'fixing her face'!
Donning a frock spun out of dreams,
With a skirt to swish and sway.
Into the slippers, shining and new.
Did Cinderella feel this way?
What gala affair now summons our queen,
Embassy tea or debutante ball?
Oh no! It's a matter of much more import!
Her very first date awaits in the hall!
Composed by my wife, Vera Selena (Osburn) Hinshaw
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