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From: "Jean R." <>
Subject: [IGW] "Lady Selecting Her Christmas Cards" -- Phyllis McGINLEY(1905-1978)
Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:41:24 -0800

LADY SELECTING HER CHRISTMAS CARDS

Fastidiously, with gloved and careful fingers,
Through the marked samples she pursues her search.
Which shall it be: the snowscape's wintry languors
Complete with church.

An urban skyline, children sweetly pretty
Sledding downhill, the chaste ubiquitous wreath,
Schooner or candle or simple Scottie
With verse underneath?

Perhaps it might be better to emblazon
With words alone the stiff, punctilious square.
(Oh, not Victorian certainly. This season
One meets it everywhere.)

She has a duty proper to the weather --
A Birth she must announce, a rumor to spread
Wherefore the very spheres once sang together
And a star shone overhead.

Here are the tidings which the shepherds panted
One to another, kneeling by their flocks.
And they will bear her name (engraved, not printed),
Twelve-fifty for the box.

-- Phyllis McGinley was born in 1905 in Ontario, OR, lived in CO, UT, CA and NY, married Charles Hayden. She was an author, poetess, teacher and editor and won a Pulitzer for Light Verse. Her poetry reflects everyday life with affection and humour.

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• [IGW] "Lady Selecting Her Christmas Cards" -- Phyllis McGINLEY(1905-1978) by "Jean R." <>