Personification of 50 Washington Square

The Personification of 50 Washington Square

Yellow brick skin, and marble stair bones

Conscience watched by a prince of the street

He is depicted in recycled art,

Sitting on the wall doing his part 

Shadows of soldiers and sailors

Adorn its historic walls

Mother's sons did more than their share

Lungs in a shaft that sniff the Newport sea, 

But breath Broadway blues neighborhood air

Frames of all shapes and sizes

Circulate through veins

Of its living corridors

Each man and woman

A life sized cell and more

Its hands belong to

Working men, and fisherman

Cooks, cleaners, and CNAs

Its creative mind belongs to

Painter, bakers, music makers

Seers and poets, writers of verse

Its thoughts heard through

Lips and on tongues

Of those who converse

This yellow brick body

One building, with three addresses

Has its very own Oz

Who has protected it from

Those who do not understand

This building
Is a vital organ

In Newport's larger life

Why would you need to protect

What is vital to life in our city

A place where all are greeted with a smile,

Shared laughter or handshake

Well you see

It has housed many

Who did time

Others have illness of mind

There are those that fight addiction's monkey

Others whose dress is more than funky

And of course some who ask tourist for money

It's personality wide and winding

Like it's artful banister

Three addresses one building

For the soul of folks who

May need a hand

4 Farewell,

Where no one need say good bye forever

15 Meeting,

The place for a roof top BBQ

50 Washington Square

The shape that will

Help if you come 'round

Its architectural excellence

Adds to the hospitality

The heart beat of the building

Sits in the directors seat

Looked over by a service man's Mom

Who gave life to that heart

And commissioned a building form

Where living art is the norm