I’m assuming this poem was written by one of her schoolmates. I believe this was when she attended the end of high school in Calgary. It was written as a note, so the first part here is the note Penny wrote, with the poem attached at the end.

Edna, care of Barbra

Dear Edna,

Please excuse this paper, but as usual I am in bed writing of course very naughty, but supposed to be good? I am a very poor writer as Barbra knows. I also hope you will forgive me, my being so forward as to write but as you are Barbra’s friend, you will understand. I am not a poet, but I often write lines of junk to Barbra to tease her. I will do my best to make you a poem which will be a very poor best. As you are fond of horses and a good rider, maybe you will understand my craze for race and show horses. Thoroughbreds are my favourite. Well I am slow at hitting things quickly, I hope you hike out to the weasel-head on Saturday. Here is my poor poem.

Edna

Edna sweet and pretty

Blue eyes and flaxen curls

Oh, loved by all is she

Especially envied by the other girls

Her beauty is well known

Her saddle o’er the gate

So carefully thrown

While for a pony she does wait.

It won’t be long

‘Ere she does ride

Tracing the breezes strong

By Barbra’s side

Out in the moonlight night

When the stars are bright

With love and hopes

From Penny H.