"Rosalind" by Mary Soon Lee

"Memory" Ink and Watercolor on Paper
By J. Artemus Gordon

Rosalind

Mary Soon Lee

One room,

not even a large room,

framed the library

of our elementary school,

but when they released us

into its fold,

we traveled together

to King Solomon's Mines

and back from our London

to one where Sherlock Holmes

played his violin.

Now we write to each other

maybe once a year.

Poet's Notes:  I think my friend Rosalind and I were about seven years old when we were given permission to borrow books from our school's main library. I remember--possibly inaccurately--wooden shelves and sunlight, and the shared excitement of embarking on adventures to far-off places. It was a long time ago. I haven't seen Rosalind since I moved to America, one of the losses of leaving.

Artist's Note:  I was inspired to create this illustration when I found out from the Editor-in-Chief that "Rosalind" means "beautiful rose."  I hope that my art does justice to the fond memories of Mary's old friend.