The Welcome of Memphis She is standing in the gateway of the Sunny Southern land, In her eyes the light of welcome, with a blessing in her hand. She has laid away her sorrows strewn with lavender and Myrrh, As a pledge unto the future, like a tender prayer to her. Awakened from the midnight that mailed Mars had cast; She has washed her garment; spotless; from the scourges of The Past, And arising from the ashes; from the dust of buried Hope, With a broader field of action; with a wider sweep and scope, She has met the ringing changes; of advancement; side by side, A warrior in her valor and a matron in her pride. Now; today; mid peace and plenty, in her queenliest garment drest; Like a wrder at the portal; She proclaims an honored guest, And the dark eye glows with pleasure; as she waits with modest art, Just to give a southern greeting, from a truly southern heart. Virginia Frazer Boyle October 15, 1887