Ode from a Poet
American author and physician Oliver Wendell Holmes was born on this day in 1809. Holmes' s medical prose, novels, and often witty poetry were immensely popular in his day and are standards of American literature. This portrait miniature by artist Sarah C. Frothingham could have served as the subject of this wry poetic art commentary by Holmes.
To the Portrait of "A Lady" In the Athenĉum Gallery
WELL, Miss, I wonder where you live,
I wonder what 's your name,
I wonder how you came to be
In such a stylish frame;
Perhaps you were a favorite child,
Perhaps an only one;
Perhaps your friends were not aware
You had your portrait done!
Yet you must be a harmless soul;
I cannot think that Sin
Would care to throw his loaded dice,
With such a stake to win;
I cannot think you would provoke
The poet's wicked pen,
Or make young women bite their lips,
Or ruin fine young men…
I 'm not averse to red and white,
But all things have their place,
I think a profile cut in black
Would suit your style of face!
Pictured: Sarah C. Frothingham, Portrait of Sarah Rand Carter, about 1840, watercolor on ivory, 2 1/2 x 1 15/16 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Roberta Stearns.
American author and physician Oliver Wendell Holmes was born on this day in 1809. Holmes' s medical prose, novels, and often witty poetry were immensely popular in his day and are standards of American literature. This portrait miniature by artist Sarah C. Frothingham could have served as the subject of this wry poetic art commentary by Holmes.