For Bruni, A Messenian Lady
Of Bruni and books do I sing, of Bruni who first came ashore
To the Athens American School with dreams and with visions galore!
Arm-in-arm we came to the School, arm-in-arm followed Vanderpool.
We were met at the port by Clairève, and shared our first view of the Rock.
Sculpture was her clear choice, though her voice could have taken her elsewhere.
No photos have I to send, but past visions are in my mind's eye
As we tripped our way around Greece, the spell could only increase.
At Messene (far from Messene) she stood in the flood, like one of her Korai.
At Bassai she tendered the ill, victims all of bad local swill.
Old Athens she knew very well, and the Acropolis even better,
Back to the States and Bryn Mawr, where she was very soon a real star.
With book after book to appear, leading us all very far.
Take no steps in sculpture without consulting our 90-year friend,
That she has been there before you, you'd do well to remember
Lest you present as your own good research, what Bruni has long ago told us.
With much love and thanks to Bruni,
χρόνια καλά να έχεις !
from Miriam
Brunilde Ridgway, Rhys Carpenter Professor Emeritus of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology, is celebrating her 90th birthday. In honor of this milestone, her former students, colleagues, and friends have been invited to share memories of their beloved mentor, teacher, and friend. View the list of messages.