A FEW weeks ago you printed a wonderful shot of the horseshoe bend under the title 'Moving words above the Wye.'

After quite a bit of research I am convinced that the poem "Tidenham Bend" was written by Elizabeth Barrett, who later was better known as Elizabeth Barrett-Browning.

She was born as history recalls in 1806 and was the daughter of a wealthy businessman Edward Moulton Barrett. She lived in Herefordshire in her youth.

Of studious nature she began to write when quite young and as a riding accident debarred her for some years of an active life she gave her whole time to reading and writing.

However, in 1846, she married Robert Browning and later wrote her more famous work 'Aurora Leigh.' She died later in Italy at Florence in 1861.

In the Victorian period printed poems were very often used as bookmarkers and I have personally studied the laminated paper which was prevalent in those days and the copy which I sent to you must have been printed in the Victorian era so perhaps my findings may be of some help. – M.J.C. Radclyffe, Marten Road, Bulwark, Chepstow.

The Emerald Rambler

John Maguire the gentleman who roamed the countryside,

With his faithful dog O'Leary always by his side,

For three score years the wind and sun had caressed his rugged face,

The hills and dales were his home, he had no special place.

He spoke to all the animals as if they were human too,

His territories and dwellings were just an open zoo,

From all around came wildlife and sat around his fire,

He imparted his knowledge to them and of this they would never tire.

Everyone for miles around knew Paddy John Maguire,

To them he was a special friend and an adopted country squire,

On special days the children took presents to his cave,

In return he told them stories, appreciative of what they gave.

When Paddy died, I visited his humble wild domain,

His life had been so simple, uncomplicated and plain,

What would they be without him, the legend John Maguire,

No more stories around his friendly fire.

For him I say "I am the Raven, Rook and the Crow,

The trees and flowers which will colourfully grow,

I am the Robin, Wren and the Lark,

John Maguire – Daylight forever. It'll never, never be dark."