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Edinburgh
Photographic Society
With mingled feelings I recall those days when forth I hied, A novice, with my half-plate in a satchel
by my side;
Resolved on “taking” somebody, or something, you may
guess,
But
lackaday! I knew not then the
good old EPS.
To drive the crowd of urchins back, who gather quite in
force
Upset one, and the dark side I forgot to draw, of course;
And ofttimes two exposures on one plate (which is excess)
Produced
effects more wonderful than charming, I confess.
Sometimes the cap I would forget still firm upon the hood,
While I with air of one who knows, (but inward trembling)
stood;
And, watch in hand, the rubber ball, most deftly I would
press,
Then
came a glad expectant dream - words cannot here express
’Twas in the darkroom, vivid thoughts of latent gems would
rise
And phantom landscapes oft beguiled one’s weary, watchful
eyes;
Till roused by some home critic -“What a horrid splashy
mess!
Why
don’t you learn from others - Go and join the EPS.”
On progress bent, with firm resolve, and by a friend
proposed,
I proudly was admitted mem. con. (that is, unopposed);
Now, while I live, I surely that auspicious day shall bless,
When
I became a member of the good old EPS.
Here genial, kindred spirits one can meet with by the way
And all his wrongs have righted, and made clear as an X-ray;
Those little peccadilloes need no longer now distress,
For
everything goes smiling when you join the EPS.
So now, I sally fort, rare gems to gather as I go,
And e’en have ventured to exhibit at the Photo Show;
Success has crowned my efforts. If you’ll call at my address,
You
there can see my trophy - Bronze Medallion EPS.
Karr Bonne
1902
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