Lillian
Andi Polk, San Fernando Branch
Andi Polk wrote this tribute to SFV member Lilian Rodich on the occasion of her 95th birthday last March. Happy 96th, Lillian!.
Dreams of ballet inspired your body to
move with grace and statuesque form.
The mantra was and is to remain strong,
flexible and regal. The dream expected
success and if you faltered you were to
pick yourself up and move again. Life has
tested that mantra.
You are a dancer, a poet and an
educator. This is your soul, your heart.
You reach out. Your poet’s heart dances
with words, with rhythm, and the picture
comes alive.
Your readers, your students, your
friends hear your words and see your
pictures as they move before our eyes.
We hear the rhythm, see the space, the
twirls, smell the beauty, feel the
heartache and understand the dashed
dreams and blessings. Your word spatula
paints in subtle hues and vibrant colors.
The tone soothes and quiets or fires
arrows at revelations. Yet you gently
remind us — less is more.
You want to see all of our poems
bound. One day I will bind mine in large
print for you to see and hear. You
touched my heart and allowed me to
paint scenes with words. You have been
my poet mentor extraordinaire and I love
you for all your kind support, special
friendship and inspiration.
Love,
Your friend and student
Andi Polk
“Lillian” first appeared
in the March 2023 Valley Scribe,
newsletter of the San Fernando Branch.