“Emily writes such a good letter” by Stevie Smith:
Mabel was married last week
So now only Tom leftThe doctor didn’t like Arthur’s cough
I have been in bed since EasterA touch of the old trouble
I am downstairs today
As I write this
I can hear Arthur roaming overheadHe loves to roam
Thank heavens he has plenty of space to roam inWe have seven bedrooms
And an annexeWhich leaves a flat for the chauffeur and his wife
We have much to be thankful for
The new vicar came yesterday
People say he brings a breath of fresh airHe leaves me cold
I do not think he is a gentlemanYes, I remember Maurice very well
Fancy getting married at his age
She must be a foolYou knew May had moved?
Since Edward died she has been much aloneIt was cancer
No, I know nothing of Maud
I never wish to hear her name again
In my opinion Maud
Is an evil womanOur char has left
And a good riddance too
Wages are very high in TonbridgeWrite and tell me how you are, dear,
And the girls,
Phoebe and Rose
They must be a great comfort to you
Phoebe and Rose.
(From Best Poems: Stevie Smith © Stevie Smith 1937, 1972 and © New Direction Publishing Corporation 1988, 2014. Reprinted with kind permission of New Directions. Photo by Sandra Kharazashvili)
The Dish 