Gertie Talton:
CLASS OF 1964
Eastside High SchoolClass of 1964
Farmerville, LA
Blackshear Elementary SchoolClass of 1990
Houston, TX
Sunset High SchoolClass of 1973
Dallas, TX
Eastside High SchoolClass of 1969
Farmerville, LA
Union Parish Training SchoolClass of 1959
Farmerville, LA
Gertie's Story
Do you remember Mrs. Dorothy Sims? She always "taught" using these words: "We are going to learn what Chemistry is and what Chemistry "aren't". " Her exact words!
There is also Mr. Cecil Canady who taught mathematics. He would always slam his "board of education" on a student's desk and scare the "heevie-jeevies" out of us all!
Then there is Mr. Leon Colvin who taught Civics. His briefcase always contained a "flask". I wonder what was in the "flask". Your guess is as good as mine!!
I always wanted to be a Teacher when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a great idea. As it turns out, they were right.
I read my Bible and I write poems about my family and friends
to relax.
If I'm going to work somewhere, I need to have the location, the subject matter, and the expectation of the supervisor to be able to deal with the day-to-day requirements.
My inspiration comes from my parents, Dewitt Griffin Talton and Jessie Mae Owens Talton, because they took the time to read to me and my brothers and sisters when we were young. My parents taught us about God and kept us in Church Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
The one person from my past whom I'd most like to see again is Aline Roberts Watson, because she was the reason that her aunt, Addie Roberts Payne, took me to visit so many different churches when I was young.
I also like writing poems about people who have had an impact on my life. TRY THIS ONE ON FOR SIZE!! -- August 22, 1986
1789 -- Again!!
(A Tribute to George Washington [GWT] Tisdale, II)
1.A "T" party spellbound the world!
The 13 colonies threw everybody a curve.
"Treat us fairly!" was the colonies' request.
Yet, England "declared", "That's a lot of mess!"
2.Bravely, the colonies pleaded "their" case,
And they rejected England's treacherous maze,
Of traps and deceit, of slavery and lies.
Brave men must NEVER wear a disguise.
3.In 1776, the colonies "declared" they would not run,
Simply because their courage could not be undone.
Thirteen (13) nations, Separate and Brave --
But unity was the foundation they had laid,
4.To tell the world unified people can succeed.
The colonies were ONE NATION, indeed.
General George Washington had refused to retreat,
And the mantle of leadership was laid at his feet.
5.When leadership was tested, the people knew,
Only one (1) man could keep America true.
Battle scars laced Washington's flesh,
But General George Washington had given his best.
6.Lancers and sabers, muskets and shells
Could not stop General Washington's "quell"
Of England's bribes and subtle snares
To keep a nation in its demon lair.
7. In 1789, a decision was "unanimously" made.
General George Washington was a patriot so brave
Who MUST lead the colonies day by day.
War heroes strengthen a nation's faith.
8.Leadership is pre-ordained by God,
For men who have pure, earnest hearts.
Religious men "ordain" a family name.
So, too, does God exalt GEORGE WASHINGTON TISDALE II to fame!
9.When Negroes needed courage and hope,
They named their children with an ingenious stroke.
Black mothers prophesied in silent wisdom,
EXPECTING God to grant their bidding.
Page 2
10.If February 22nd passed Negro mothers by,
They then used names to exalt their children on high.
By May 23rd, 1936, nine months had passed,
And 40-year old Jimmy TISDALE, Senior knew his name would last.
11.GEORGE WASHINGTON!! -- was the name Mrs. Mary Jane TISDALE chose.
Why she did not name her firstborn "JIMMY", only God knows.
The firstborn! What did Mrs. Mary Jane SEE?
Did God ordain her firstborn child for nobility?
12.In 1954, George Washington TISDALE, II became eighteen.
The year, 1954 was a landmark for strong Black men.
At Union Parish Training School, the TISDALES reigned.
Jimmy TISDALE, Junior too was exalted to fame.
13.Even 7-year olds watched the TISDALES with admiration,
As the Brothers TISDALE rocked the nation.
Football! Basketball! Baseball, as well !!
George Washington TISDALE's athletic skills cast people into a spell!
14.George IS !! agile, bold, and strong;
Yet, his brother, Jimmy, did not suffer long,
When braggarts and bullies defied the truth
That the TISDALES clan cannot be moved,
15.Nor bullied by cowardly men of vice!
Jimmy TISDALE, Junior seemed to always have blood in his eyes.
Nonetheless, George Washington TISDALE, II did intervene
And all the people tried to make him bend and lean.
16.The streets of Farmerville, Louisiana were dreary and bare
And misfortune "doled" "The Quarters" sector more than its share.
Black men withered away in vice and in sin,
But George Washington TISDALE "declared": "This will not be my end!"
17.Searching for hope, George Washington TISDALE became a sailor
And, I suppose, America thought she was doing a favor
To provide a livelihood for young Black man.
But George Washington TISDALE brought honor to those oceanic "cans"!
18.George Washington TISDALE has a wisdom that gave to Black men hope,
That they, too, could live free of liquor and dope.
The Navy had to honor George,
Because his strength could NEVER be destroyed.
19.Back in Farmerville, "The Quarters" did hear
That Black men do not have to live in fear.
George Washington TISDALE had proved that Black men are strong,
And older men received courage to continue on.
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20.After 1960, George Washington TISDALE observed the world
And decided to marry a TALTON girl.
Eyes were bucked and tempers did flare,
But George Washington TISDALE took a righteous dare.
21."I plan to marry your daughter!" George "declared",
And Jessie Mae Talton respected the young man's dare.
Bold and honest, George Washington TISDALE would never recant
That Joanne Talton made him a strong man.
22.From the first, George Washington TISDALE had made it known
That he had the guts to be bold and strong.
"Tell your sister I said 'Hello'," he asked.
That football game in 1961, was the lifeline to George's future task.
23.Onward, George Washington TISDALE pursued, ignoring what people said.
Ungodly people struggled to make him afraid.
Classroom kids did scorn the betrothal pair
As the principal announced the wedding affair.
24.It made me strong that October 1962 school day,
Though the angry student mocked the wedding's delay.
"They must not gon' get married!" the bully scorned,
But October 25, 1961 had given me courage to be strong.
25.Alcoholics even tried to discourage George.
Yet, George Washington TISDALE refused to be destroyed.
My uncle scoffed at George Washington TISDALE's strength.
Because of George's umbrella he carried, George made people "wince".
26.Every braggart and every bigot wagged their tongues,
Because they couldn't understand what kept George Washington TISDALE strong.
The wedding march shriveled and died
Because TALTON relatives enviously tried
27.To destroy a marriage ordained by God
The marriage IS!! yet a success, despite sufferings so hard.
Strong men are challenged so very long,
Even when their courage "seems" all gone.
28.But once God has ordained nuptial vows
No one can make God bow.
Strong and brave, George Washington TISDALE has fought.
His innate integrity can NEVER be bought.
29.When George Washington TISDALE chastens those who err
He has the compassion to save the world.
God did not let Miriam of Numbers 12 get by.
Relatives must be strong enough to comply,
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30.With God's punishment for those who sin.
Thank you, George Washington TISDALE, for being a man among men.
Your silent reproofs have given me strength,
When others tried to make me consent
31.To live "the lie" that I can make my own laws.
Your courage is what the world is looking for.
Sometimes you answer the phone when my sister is busy
And your silent disappointment dispels any derision
32.That I have to be kept in sin.
If you only knew the strength that you bring.
It is evident that you are a strong leader,
Else why is there a TISD...Expand for more
ALE named "Nina"?
33.The determination of Stacey TISDALE is your "crown"
Of how you yourself refused to let people get you down.
If George Washington TISDALE, III were a picture book,
You could understand how you yourself overcame so many crooks.
34.Buffie Arlana TISDALE is a different story, altogether!
She is the 1970 proof of how you have withstood stormy weather
Numbers 12:3 describes YOU well!!
You, George Washington TISDALE teach others: "Black men can excel!"
35.Thank you, George Washington TISDALE, for reproving my apathy,
And teaching me to maintain strong morality.
Those who lead are heckled and shunned,
But, you, George Washington TISDALE, II, YOU MUST RUN ON!
Gertie Mae Talton
8601 Broadway #2091
Houston, Texas 77061
Re-Issued: November 30, 2008 (minus 1986 = 22 years)
Want to try this AGAIN?? Well!! Here it is!!
October 21, 1986
The Strength of Friendship
1.We were 9th grade, you and I,
As we were bussed to Eastside High.
At first you were called "Carolyn",
And your boldness caused a lot of staring!
2.The mini-skirt was yet on the drawing boards
But you advertised your knees to intolerant souls!
Puberty and adolescence had been kind to you;
Therefore, you wore fitted clothes that stuck like glue.
3.It was a time of change for us all.
You showed others how to stand tall.
You spoke your mind steadfastly, yet kind.
That is such boldness for a person in grade 9.
4.Our Geography class helped to ease the pain
Of knowing that white people's bigoted game
Could not destroy the Negro's strength.
When they built Eastside, we knew what that meant.
5.There were white schools all around ;
Yet, Negroes were treated like the Baskerville Hounds.
Instead of Farmerville, Sterlington and Marion schools,
Negroes rode buses, but we maintained our cool.
6.Mrs. DeJohnette taught our Geography class.
If we made poor grades, we couldn't pass.
She was a strong Black woman, intelligent and wise.
She helped Black students to survive.
7.No matter what white people did,
Black students' intelligence could not be hid.
There were teachers' kids, like Cheryl Kemp,
And for her, the rules were often bent.
8.The elite PTA president had a daughter, too,
But the daughter, Tempie Page, was adamant and blue.
The "Farmer's Daughter" knew how to endure --
This was Emma Jean Riley, through and through.
9.Aline Roberts was the niece of a teacher.
Therefore, teachers compromised to reach her.
I, Gertie Talton, observed the rules, determined and shy,
Until the day that "Carolyn" Joyce Hamilton stood at my side.
10.There were six of us who challenged "the lie",
That Black student "dropout" had to be high.
Somehow, though, a mutiny began,
And my 5 friends executed an awful sham.
11.Michael Paris, with eyes of ocean blue,
Wanted to be near the 6 of us, too.
There were 5 track records set that day,
As I watched all of my friends run away.
12.I was shocked, hurt, angry and shy,
As the Black, Anglo-Saxon male lingered at my side.
It was a "sting" that was most unfair;
Yet, I declared, "I "ain't" going "nowhere"!"
13.Michael soon left, embarrassed that I was quiet.
For my 5 friends, the scene was a riot.
"All in a day's work!!" some justified.
Only one (1) person had the guts to return to my side.
14.I was very angry by what went on,
But one (1) person's apology kept me strong.
"Carlane Joyce" -- for you alone did show
That friends can help you to learn and to grow.
15.THAT DAY!! -- You became my true friend.
We had a bond that nobody could bend.
It was a friendship of truth and of trust,
Of sharing the principles that society could not "bust".
16.We wrote poems and "openly" criticized "our" faults.
Still, we have a friendship that cannot be bought.
You taught me to be steadfast in my beliefs.
Therefore, my Math Geometry teacher gave me "only" a "C".
17."The Farmer's Daughter" was always right, in Geometry math.
Other students shared her answers, in class.
When I stood alone for the one answer that I gave,
It was like being on "The Planet of the Apes"!
18.For once I knew that my math Geometry answer was correct,
Even though "The Farmer's Daughter" caused others to "defect".
I would not change my answer sheet,
And I "threshed" math Geometry ike Gideon's wheat.
19.Judges 6:1 describes the solemn heart
Of those who are destined to be alone and set apart.
The "chosen" 5 refused to acknowledge
That a dumb, shy, quiet girl like me could make it in college.
20.Math Geometry had already paved the way
For me to be steadfast when skies are gray.
But the friendship of just one person
Can lighten burdens and cure wounds we've been nursing.
21."Carlane Joyce Hamilton" -- How awesome!
You carried so much strength for us to draw from.
Some tried to deny your inner strength.
But you held your head "proud" and did not relent.
22.I was a nobody! But what did you see?
Even my teachers sometimes did mock me!
Mr. Owens "walked" out of the Math class,
While Felix Harris consistently gave me "the ax".
23.Cheryl Kemp became reconciled to Roy,
But only after she used my letter to destroy
The heart throb that Roy Maine and I shared.
I just didn't fit in "nowhere"!
24.Always there was "Carlane" proud and brave.
You gave me the strength to face another day.
"The Teenage Goodwrench" was an excellent title
For a teenager like you, Carlane, who never was idle.
25.I saw the strength of your honest labors.
For shy people, you are a strong saviour!
You did not hesitate to correct my faults.
So I gained the courage to be firm when I talk.
26.Your most famous words were spoken to me in love:
"YOU MAKE ME TIRED!" -- That was a saving "rub".
Now there were those who tried to cheat and lie.
You called them "CAD" and their hypocrisy died.
27.Remember the bomb threats at Grambling College?
YOU REFUSED to let me stay in the dorm's death "throttle".
The college prestige did not separate us.
It strengthened our understanding and our trust.
28.In May 1968, your graduation gift to me said it all:
THE TREASURE CHEST, a book of quotations from leadership's hall.
It encouraged me to persevere against gall.
Thank you, Carlane, for standing tall.
29.You taught me honesty, candidness and strength.
I learned what the word "friendship" meant.
In 1969, I had to adjust,
And somehow, I neglected your trust.
30.The letters you wrote to me in Dallas did not last long
Because I was 22-year old "woe-be-gone".
Still, I remembered "The Teenage Goodwrench"
Who helped me to endure such a bigoted stench.
31.The white people discriminated subtlely,
To destroy the Black race, "utterly"!
I was faced with lies and hatred and bigotry and gall.
Dallas, somehow, demanded that I take "a fall".
32.There were 9 years of friendship that refused to die.
From 1960 to 1969, "Carlane" had stood by my side.
I could not "grin" away the white man's deceit.
"Uncle Toms" and "Jim Crows" are never discreet.
33.I lost my strength and became disheartened,
When I heard, too late, that you had lost your father.
I searched and I searched for my one TRUE friend,
Only to encounter so many dead ends.
34.Oakdale! Alumni rolls at Grambling and Eastside!
Yet, there was a set time, in 1985.
CATHERROY! MILWAUKEE! WASHINGTON'S "OLYMPIA"!
The telephone wires played a symphony!
35.I will forever remember your strength and your courage,
For you giving me the patient strength to be sturdy.
Some call you "C.J."; for me it will always be "Carlane".
Thank you!! -- for the strength you have helped me to retain.
THERE'S PLENTY MORE WHERE THIS CAME FROM !! JUST ASK!! (taltongmyahoo.com)
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