Counting Nina's

The Historical Museum*
Has a wonderful collection
Of the drawings done by Hirschfeld,**
Waiting there for your inspection.

As you view his work you’ll realize
He’s the Caricature King;
From his sketchpad and his pencils,
Magic images would spring.

He could capture a celebrity
With just a few quick strokes.
Most were honored to be subjects
Of his playful, artful pokes.

But the fun in all his sketches,
Once his daughter was alive,
Lies in looking for the Nina’s,
(Starting 1945).

For her name was always hidden
In the lines upon the page,
Giving viewers quite a challenge,
In which many would engage.

Sometimes there’d be many Nina’s
In which case he’d let you know
By a number written next to
His cool signature below.

If you visit the exhibit,
You can sit in Hirschfeld’s chair
And pretend you’re hiding Nina’s,
With his humor and his flair.

*New York Historical Society
**Al Hirschfeld