Bill Grace - Mark Twain's Daughter

I have heard the rumor
From one vastly more lettered than myself
That Mark Twain in his dotage
Had a circle of young women
With whom he met in public
There was no impropriety - no scandal
But Twain's daughter disolved the group
For fear of censure.

My eleven year olds first gymnastic meet
Filled with the resplendent energy of the young
Even their pain and failure
Has taught me what the old man lost
Convinces me that pharises are alive and well
And with us to this very day.

Bill Grace

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