THE GIFT

[MARC SELSBY]

There is a mysterious cycle in human events.

 To some generations much is given.

 Of other generations much is expected.

 This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt   June 27, 1936

ON A SUMMER DAY IN 1936

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER JR. GOT A CALL.

THOSE TAPESTRIES ON YOUR OFFICE WALL -

WE AT THE MET MUSEUM - WE WANT THEM ALL.

NO.  I'M AFRAID THAT CAN NOT BE.

THOSE ARTWORKS ARE MY FAVORITE THINGS.

THEY GIVE ME MORE  THAN WEALTH BRINGS.

TAKE MY MONEY

THIS WILL TAKE MY LIFE

I COULD DONATE A MOUNTAIN

TRY ASKING  MY WIFE.

HE HUNG UP THE PHONE

PUT HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS

I KNOW THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL

BUT THEY BELONG TO OUR LAND.

HE NODDED OFF AND HAD A DREAM

HE'D BUILT A PARK

BEAUTIFUL TO SEE

BUT - WHAT-  COULD IT BE ?

THAT UNICORN JUST WINKED AT ME !

OK - I'LL GIVE YOU THE TAPESTRIES

AND THE PALISADES TOO

IF I CAN ADD A CAVEAT OR TWO

WE'LL BUILD A MUSEUM FOR THEM - ONE WORTHY OF THE VIEW.

IT'S NOT A MONASTERY

IT'S NOT A CHURCH

BUT THESE CLOISTERS FILL THE PARK WITH GRACE AND EASE

AND INSIDE YOU'LL FIND THE UNICORN TAPESTRIES.