[to S. S. B. A., PhD; Lady Siderial]
A bonda fide Princess you seemed to me:
more real than any schoolboy's fantasy.
And when you said, "Consider poetry,"
you changed my future and my destiny.
Your presence, purer than I could abide:
the chilling grasp of adolescent pride
gripped me hard. In those days, I misbehaved---
as without Gospel faith, lost and unsaved.
I cannot make up for failed courtesy.
This poem asks if you can forgive my rude
manner, then. Now, in a true Christian mood,
I post this to express my gratitude
for your words. They led to poems that include
praises of God, and Lady Certainly.
Starward
[jlc]