From author Linda Mansell Martin comes a fascinating, elegant portrait of one extraordinary woman.

AGE

Age is Life’s recorded Message
Of our minutes, days and years.
Hopeful morning, busy noon-time,
Evening, hinting rest is near.

In our morning, hope inspires us;
By ambitious youth we’re led
Ever strong and striving onward,
Eager for each task ahead.

Age at noon-time will remind us
We have traveled half the race;
Social climbing, job declining . . . .
Friends and children join the pace.

Evening comes, and now our message
Shows the value of design.
God’s own hand and good, unmeasured
Guide this life to One Divine.

—Bo Buice
(National Library of Congress—Famous
Poets of America, 2003)