Grateful for Clive James

 Grateful for Clive James 

Immersed in Hughes and clever Empson 

in sunlight with Mac Neice, glad to have sat under thunder

and rain with them all 

enthralled by the tigred pike 

spiked on his aged grin

women alas too few

the Mrs Hughes and Browning 

and Dickinson, of course, not drowning. 

But I have James to hold my hand 

to buoy me in deep water 

to bid me Leap! And float on thermals 

for such delight 

in depths and heights 

this treasury collected

recollected, got by heart 

since Aussie schoolboy years, note

by heart and not by rote

and bless him for his labours

in his last and dying days 

still his wit and warmth and wisdom 

all-pervading, perfect legacy. 

22nd April 2021 Hounoux after reading Clive James’  ‘ The Fire of Joy’