Mary Daley

Her image remains as real to me today 

as it was nearly seventy years ago.

I can see her at a desk in the life room

turning to smile at her friend, Valda

her short black hair and smiling face.

I was standing at an easel drawing

and timing the girl posing nude for us

to call when she could take a break

behind a curtained alcove - then I fled 

the passions of an unrequited love

to the local hotel at every model break 

and drank a soothing glass of beer 

before hurrying back and calling 'time'. 

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