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Ode to Jen

By Emily Clott, Class of 2912

Dear Jen, as we prepare to say good bye
We’re sad yet joyful too and here is why.
You’ve filled our heads with more than they can hold
Of buildings, trends and stories new and old
You’ve shown us how to bring our town to life
With stories of ambition, brilliance, strife.

You’ve helped each docent trainee to uncover
Their inner architect, their design lover.
Through pictures, talks, and group work you reveal
Chicago always changing, always real.
The whos and whens and whys that we soon echo
Of beaux arts, modern, post, commercial, deco.

You taught us it’s poured concrete, not cement.
Columns and not pillars, ornament
Not decoration, get terms straight.
No, you’re not a moron, you’ll be great!
Who else could persuade docents not to say
“Chicago School” but “Commercial Style” her way?

A gifted teacher like you is so rare
It shouldn’t be regarded as unfair
to say that you are truly the most potent
Influence on a newly-minted docent.
Plus with your knowledge and your voice so pretty
You’ve inspired the whole town on” Curious City.”

The docent program that gets such acclaim
Exists in large part because you became
Our teacher, mentor, arbiter and guru
While always staying calm and kind and true to
The guiding star that shines within you bright
Love of truth, art, history, what is right.

As you begin your life in Copenhagen
Dear Jen, please know you will not be forgotten.

 

This Post Has 9 Comments

  1. Bobbi

    Super terrific as usual Emily.

  2. Adrienne

    Love the rhyme of potent and docent!~and fun to “discover” via typo that Jen’s reach extended even unto the Class of 2912

  3. Harry

    Reading this I miss Jen all over again. How fitting for that wonderful teacher, friend ,and honorary docent

  4. Jill

    Emily, this is fantastic – really says it all, and in such a rhythmic, flowing way. You are so gifted.

  5. Mary Jo

    Love this Emily and a fitting ode to a beloved person and collaborator Jen

  6. David

    Nice ode Emily. Thanks. Jen made a difference!

  7. Maurice

    Emily, Love it! Great tribute to Jen!

  8. Diane

    Emily, thanks for speaking so eloquently for all of us!!

  9. Jen

    Thank you so much for this, Emily! Such a fitting send-off gift… my own personal Clott poem, I love it. Greetings to all from Copenhagen. Do keep in touch! jm********@gm***.com

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