Edith Sitwell’s Jacket
(for Michael Schmidt)

We placed our bid on an unexpected green jacket
During lockdown at the Sacheverell sale –
One of Edith’s poetry-reading outfits, all pale
Green buttons; and all the fabric beautifully cut
By Nina Astier of Chelsea. We had imagined
A surprise presentation to Martina, a poet’s coat
For her to wear on the London reading circuit.
Despite our double-bid some other poetry fiend
...