At school I had a wonderful teacher, Mr Delacruz who, along with my grandfather kindled in me a love of literature. I remember Mr Delacruz’s classroom as being piled high with books, volumes tottered on storeroom shelves. For me, as a small boy entering his classroom was akin to visiting Aladdin’s cave.
I recollect him reading aloud to we children. He even made a recording of several stories and poems for me including Conan Doyle’s The Speckled Band and Alfred Noye’s poem The Highwayman. One poem from which I derived particular pleasure was Sir Smasham UP by E V RIEU, (http://monologues.co.uk/Childrens_Favourites/Smasham_Uppe.htm). For a reason which shall forever remain clouded in mystery, the first few lines of Rieu’s humorous poem popped into my head this morning,
“Good afternoon, Sir Smasham Uppe!
We’re having tea: do take a cup!”
and I determined to look up this childhood favourite. If you have children, grandchildren or are acquainted with children in any way I recommend introducing Rie
K Morris - Poet 
‘Sir Smasham Uppe’ I think that should be The Blokes online user name for his PS4 games, hehee. What a lovely teacher you had.
Yes, he was a truly great teacher. Many thanks for your comment. Best. Kevin
You lucked out having such a wonderful teacher. Thanks for the book title. 🙂
Thank you. Indeed I did. Mr Delacruz was an amazing teacher. Kevin
I suspect that’s going to hang around in my memory. At I’m guessing roughly the same age, someone handed me a copy of The Golden Trashery of Ogden Nashery (the author was Ogden Nash) which had the roughly the same attitude toward life and rhyme. I’m still grateful.
Many thanks for your comment. I know Ogden Nash (not personally but some of his poems)! and can imagine the delight you derived from that little gift. I’m pleased you enjoyed my reposting of this poem.
Best wishes – Kevin