Thursday, 29 July 2010
| First Lady |
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POETRY | By Susan Martin
Jackie Kennedy was my role model.
Turn to the last page of my wedding album.
There I am in my going-away outfit,
a Jackie clone, simple linen sheath,
white gloves, and again,
that trademark pillbox hat.
I remember when Jack Kennedy remarked
while on a state visit to France, I am the man
who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris,
and I have enjoyed it.
I could never forget photos of President Charles DeGaulle
devouring her with his eyes
as she dazzled him and all of France
with Givenchy couturiere and flawless French.
A few months later I went on my first trip to Paris.
During a tour of the gardens of the Palace of Versailles,
the guide showed us an outdoor ballroom.
This, he said, is where Jacqueline Kennedy
danced with, uh, with What’s-his-name?
But Jackie was not just my fashion icon.
There came another time when I called upon
my perception of her to guide my actions.
Like her, I lost my husband suddenly and terribly.
I called upon my memory of the calmness and dignity
with which she conducted herself.
She planned her husband’s funeral
with meticulous detail,
the very essence of grace under pressure.
I resolved to follow her example.
It was my tribute to my husband.
First Lady won second place at the Women in Poetry 2009 Contest. For details on the contest, click here. |
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