HVWP to the Rescue

I would find it difficult to overstate the advantages of the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project as a therapeutic agent. In my case, disabled by a brain concussion and consequent loss of coordination, my plight was desperate indeed until the librarian, one day, displayed a HVWP program. That, thought I, may be just the thing to coordinate the old cerebellum with my uncertain eyesight and a typing finger.

There, remained, however, the matter of stationery supplies. With my uncertain and wavering eyesight, the best of librarians might mistake my approach for information as a reconnaissance venture with a view to robbery or perhaps arson, and a request for carbon sheets as a diversionary tactic in connection with same.

The librarian was a thoroughly competent lady, I will admit, albeit a bit awe-inspiring. This last, however, may be due to my humble attitude toward the immense collection of knowledge over which she presided. I was nonplussed. How, thought I, shall I provide for participation in this most worthy project?

Then, one day, I came up with a poem. A beautiful thing. Sixteen lines of perfectly metered eulogy describing the very object of my awe. Ah, the old cerebellum was functioning! The librarian became, at once, my staunchest friend. She even taught me how to pronounce “Theta Sigma Phi”, a symbol which had, hither to, baffled me.

Now, as I go about my ever intellectual way, I esteem the lady as a most highly prized friend, and have even come to look upon the institution over which she presides as a. possible means of advancing American culture. That is, if my coordination continues to improve.