On June 11, 1921, J.C. Leyendecker’s cover image, above, appeared on the Saturday Evening Post. Elaine Person, of Orlando, won the grand prize for her limerick describing the image:
The little girl started to preen.
She wanted by all to be seen.
Said the boy, who was skittish,
“You are not even British
And therefore could never be queen.”
As if that doesn’t make Orlando proud enough, local writer Ryan Tilley won honorable mention in the same contest, the first time that feat has ever been accomplished.
FUN FACT: For your Scribbler’s 50th birthday, two-time US Poet Laureate Billy Collins recited a limerick he wrote about Brad and me, in the car on the way to my party. Alas, the limerick has been lost to the sands of time, because, quoting Billy, “The gift was in the performance.” Thanks again, kind sir.
