A Tribute to Mary Gibson Hatten

— by Spirit Eagle —

World War 2 Vet
Committed Activist for All Things Fair
Warrior Against War
Moral Fiber Intact
She Walked The Island
In Integrity, Kindness, and Joy In Living
With A Smile Of Welcome
Mary and Barry, Her Late Husband, Marched
With Other Senior Citizens in The Demonstration in Seattle
Against the WTO
They Were Old, Infirm, Some Were in Wheelchairs,
Saved From The Brutality At The Front Of The March
By Their Slow Progress In The Back!
Courage and A Sense of Justice Walked With Mary
Through All Of Her Days

I Remember….
Barry Picking Me and My Neighbor, Dan Up To Go To Their
Christmas Parties. And Mary, Ever The Gracious Host
Checking on the Ham, Tending To The Needs of All,
Making Everyone Feel Welcomed
I Remember Mary and Barry In Their Lone Vigils in Eastsound
In All Kinds of Weather,
Holding Signs To End The Carnage In Iraq
Mary and Barry Always Showed Up for Group Demonstrations
And Vigils Against The War
One Particular Afternoon, It Started To Rain And Others Started To Leave
Not Mary And Barry! They Stood Strong With Rain Pouring
And Still They Held Their Signs For Peace!

I Admired Them That Day, More Than Ever!
I Will Miss Your Smiling Face Mary!
I Salute You Mary For Your Courageous Spirit
and The Fortitude You Held Within!
You Were The Conscience of The Island
A True OLD TIME Orcas Islander!
Fly With The Eagles Now Mary
On Wings of Pure Light!