Minneapolis, MN
A GRAND OLD GAL
She is older than her twin sister,
More quiet and elegant
She started life without a name
Until a voyageur decided to call her “Pigs Eye”
Not complementary for the birth of the Grand Old Gal
But it didn’t last
A French missionary decided her name was to be St. Paul
So she thrived and grew to embrace
The wealthy shipping and railroad magnets,
Artists and writers, a “madam” or two
Gangsters and their girlfriends, immigrants from Europe.
They in turn gave her a cathedral, mansions
And carriage houses and a place for lawmakers
To make decisions.
Today, the Grand Old Gal sits
Next to a ribbon of river
That flows out into the world
And contemplates what the next decade
Will deliver to her door.
ABOUT THE POET
Irene Colston February 18, 1935 – April 19, 2023 was a local artist born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. After retiring from a busy professional career, Irene immersed herself into the creative writing process. She took classes at The Loft Literary Center, focusing on both lyrical and free form poetry. Ranging from lighthearted and whimsical to solemn and literal, Irene’s poetry drew inspiration from her life: nature, memories, and travel. It brought her joy sharing her art with others.
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