Clive James

Verse Letter

issue 27 June 2015

In reply to Ann Baer, aged 101, of Richmond-on-Thames.
 
Your handwriting, so perfect for its style
And firmness, made me feel that this must be
A brilliant schoolgirl. Hence my knowing smile
At your comparing of my maple tree
 
With Tennyson’s. But further down the page,
And seemingly in passing, you revealed
The secret of your learning: your great age.








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