THE MEGA MANSION BEHIND POLLY 'S OLD HOUSE

 THERE IT WAS!  THE OLD BROWN GATE,

covered over with white paint, swinging open 

to the front lawn.  Beyond, the house had ten broad,

well-worn steps to a large porch.  On one side of the porch

 was a glider comfortable enough to hold and sleep adults and

children on warm summer nights.  There was enough room under the porch to 

hide children, animals and secret treasures.

The front door opened to a large, square hallway that lead to two ample stairways leading to four

bedrooms. The third floor lead to more bedrooms and an attic for storage.  On the first floor, 

one side of the house held a small sitting parlor behind which was more room.  The living and

dinning rooms were across the hallway. The kitchen was in the back with old-fashioned cabinets

and appliances.  Two dogs and a cat were housed in the yard. The animals came in and out of

the kitchen for warmth when the weather was cold.

Polly was a writer, editor, and political activist who took her five children to the South to work

with women who wanted to learn about child development in the sixties. When she returned to

Washington, DC, she moved into the large home I have described.  Polly's home was located on

a small street that also offered space in the back yard where she grew vegetables.  When

her children began to develop carers of their own, to keep up with expenses, Polly rented rooms

to a few students. She also purchased a small tract of land in Pennsylvania where the children and grandchildren helped her build whatever they needed. Her beat-up truck had enough room in the 

back to pile everyone willing to help at the Farm and supplies.

When I visited Polly, I often shared a cup of tea. Though we were both interested in politics, we

shared or own aspirations as women, mothers and grandmothers.  I thought of all of this as we 

passed the Mega Mansion now being built where Polly's home once was.

I thought too,we need not bemoan the past.  But now we need to look to the future as our children

create memories of their own.

Beverly

beverlyrehfeld1@gmail.com

Wear your mask.  Wash your hands.

Get your shot.  VOTE