Forms and ephemera · 1975

To Kathryn — retirement tribute poem

Carolyn Williams's poem thanks Dittmar for service to readers and children.

Text

Transcribed from the scans and checked against them by Claude. Typed text comes first; handwritten notes follow it. [illegible] marks words that cannot be read and [?] an uncertain reading.

To Kathryn Long years ago, a lady with a lamp Was lauded for her care of wounded men. But what of you we celebrate today Whose work has been to ever and again Give food for the mind to hungry folk. To offer cheer to downcast and to sad, Keen interest and excitement to others Whose days grow dull and somberclad? But, most of all, to the children, whose lives Now set the future pattern of their days, -- To live for body only, or for mind and Spirit too, -- and time allows us no delays/ So, Kathryn, to you, who for these many years Held high that torch to lighten us, Bring fresh meaning to our lives, we give, Today, our thanks and love, and say goodbye with tears. Carolyn Williams

Handwritten notes

• (top right, red) 1975

Show the original machine reading

Source scan page 35

1975
To Kathryn
Long years ago, a lady with a lamp
Was lauded for her care of wounded men.
But what of you we celebrate today
Whose work has been to ever and again
Give food for the mind to hungry folk.
To offer cheer to downcast and to sad,
Keen interest and excitement to others
Whose days grow dull and somberclad?
But, most of all, to the children, whose lives
Now set the future pattern of their days, -
To live for body only, or for mind and
Spirit too, - and time allows us no delays!
So, Kathryn, to you, who for these many years
Held high that torch to lighten us,
Bring fresh meaning to our lives, we give,
Today, our thanks and love, and say goodbye with tears.
Carolyn Williams