Antique Desk

July 3, 1991

Words written here have mellowed this old desk as much as Time, phrases chivalresque and sage, penned by a graceful hand in ruffled lace, or set down with the grand bold stroke of men declaring themselves to be by right and nature, independent and free!

In these pigeon holes and drawers, under lock and key, love letters, scented with anemone, laurel and magnolia have lain side by side with letters sealed in the strong wax of pride, holding truths self-evident. These men wrote with the point of thought as well as pen.

The tender eyes, the heavy brow bent here above their several lives. Sweat and tear perfume and powder, all have aged this wood more intimately than the long years could - And fingers tracing scars, old and remote, almost find the messages they wrote.