Westlake Days, 1966-2019

After art classes at Chouinard
Mom and I drove around the corner
To the William Penn Hotel.
We entered its lattice arcade,
Eased into dark restaurant's chairs.

Oh Mom, I was a tiny daughter

Our waiter in starched white apron
Set heavy cutlery on our
Linen clad table. We ordered
Beef dip sandwiches, fries, pickles,
With silvery cups of au jus.

Oh Mom, I was a dear daughter

After teaching an art workshop,
I drive through Westlake area.
Chouinard is now a church school,
William Penn Hotel, apartments,
With abandoned sofas outside.

Oh Mom, I was a tender daughter


Laura Stickney 2019


Notes:

photograph of William Penn Hotel,
by William Reagh, 1982, California
State Library

Chouinard Art Institute was founded
in 1921. Its building is on Grandview.
The school was absorbed into CalArts
in 1970.