I had an E-mail coming in last night
Oh what surprise! surprise! - and great delight!
When I was down and out and lying low,
The Lord was pleased sweet comfort to bestow.

The message,- from a chap, adroit and smart,
A little whiz - whose name is Degenhard -
T’was only on a photo that I saw
A hop-o'-my-thumb, so small, but now in awe

I read his message, and electrified,-
I wondered if my eyes did see aright
He handled English oh so masterly,
With finished, polished virtuosity.

His competence was manifest - surprise!
With so great language skills - I must surmise
In literary fields both will excel,
A “Must” for those that write so very well!.

To make this short,- these fellows’ message read:
“We read your work grand-aunt Elizabeth!
You wrote about grand-pa a poem too,
Which I do like a lot and often view,

"We read your many poems and believe
You wrote fourteen about grand-uncle Steve;
We are all set, grand-aunt, to critique you;-
That’s what you need,- keen critics and review"!

"For long explanatory notes in prose
We have no use, please stay away from those!
They weary far too much the reader’s eyes,
And rob the poetry of tang and spice.”

An asset are fine critics, but Alas!
Impartial ones are very rare and thus,
We will take over and direct this show
And shake up poets that are lying low.

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I need not tell what joy and great relief
This Message brought to me in time of grief;
Oh blessed E-mail! - Lord! these chaps are smart!
My clever critics, - Chris and Degenhard.

Elizabet Dandy