ELEANOR ROOSEVELT (haiku)

Face like a barn door
Heart of a lioness; she
craved justice for all

Franklin got the press
But her work on behalf of
others is legend

© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil

For ABC Wednesday, brought to you by the letter “E,” and for my poetic haven, Poets United.

Eleanor Roosevelt was, in my opinion, the greatest First Lady in history.  Not only was she an invaluable advisor to her husband, but she constantly fought for human rights, for women’s causes… and she did so knowing that she was neither “comely” nor possessing of any powers other than her own personal tenacity.  She loved Nancy Hickock (AKA “Hick”) for years, and although her embarrassed family attempted to destroy any evidence of that relationship, many letters survived.  Franklin, likewise, had extramarital affairs; however, they remained a couple committed to the common good.

Eleanor is a hero of mine.  A class act, a diplomat, she could talk to haves and have-nots with equal comfort and lucidity.  She was, as they used to say, “a game girl,” ready for anything.  God rest her soul.  Peace, Amy


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