Somewhere it is written that the better part of one’s life consists of her friendships, and I have
found that to be so…. Marilynn Newman
My first gang of girls was led by Leona,
A natural leader with size and smile, while
Carolyn and Marilynn were content to be
Intimates just trailing in her wake.
Our school was Hawthorne and by 5th grade
Jeanette had become my dearest chum, but
Alas, Dad’s business required our family run
Off to Memphis away from all familiar kith and kin.
The big muddy was everywhere but not a home,
We moved several times feeling so much alone.
The 1930s were a stressful time when folks did not
Condone outsiders or Okies or transients unknown.
Dorthea seemed more accepting, less sophisticated
Her soft accent seemed to soothe the adjustments for
This new kid on the block, this soon-to-be someone
Or just a little girl far from home hoping to fit in.
Junior high brought the first of three beaus:
All named George, by the way, tall, handsome
And intrigued by this small, smiley blond damsel.
He was a friend, but soon George II came into view.
From a fine old Memphis family, this young man lived
In a mansion of marble framed by live oaks with his
Genealogy framed in entry hall covering an entire wall.
Invited to dine there amid ancestors of blue-blood rare.
He pursued the relationship we had begun, but I declined
Though he had been an education and really loads of fun.
Another move for our family of three would soon arrive
And with it, George III, a Texan born and bred to thrive.
Ft. Worth was the site of my next school,
I was fourteen; his eyes were blue as waters cool.
His car was ready, and we went out and about, but
If I missed curfew my Dad would pace and shout.
Kansas City was our next move, a plaza apartment
With Dad home less and my association with an elite
Group of girls, esp. Janet kept me part of the social whirl.
Little did I know that boy was about to meet THE GIRL!
Ray was introduced on birthday number 21; he a UCLA grad,
I, sweet 16, and still in high school, yet able to date because of
Familial associations; our first date a downtown hotel for dinner,
Chances of dating younger guys grew slimmer and slimmer.
Dallas, Texas was our next abode where the ‘mother lode’ of
Sophisticated city gals reside. Long-term bonds resulted with Fran
And Marilyn; and Ray, training with GM in Michigan, became my
Main Man via correspondence, calls, and a quickening of the Plan.
~ Marilynn Newman
