LETTERS And so farewell...

Sir: Here is an Ode of Farewell to Mrs Thatcher on her departure from the Com- mons:

And so farewell to Margaret Thatcher Dubbed 'opportunist' and `milk-snatcher': Allegations which, I fear, Came early on in her career, When, as a housewife turned MP, Her will of steel was plain to see.

The thrift which served her well before When in the Grantham grocery store Was not received with such elation When first inflicted on the nation.

But when all Tory doubts and fears Later changed to claps and cheers Traits formerly considered sinister Transformed to virtues in Prime Minister, Enabling her to take her stand With the highest in the land.

In fact no one can quite recall Just how 'our Margaret' conquered all.

From humble state, once she emerged All the Tory 'wets' were purged.

Surrounded by a faithful band - Men in grey suits on either hand - No more beset by union strikes Dolers and dodgers on their bikes, Value-for-money voters found Her principles extremely sound.

Yes, when dear Maggie had full sway Victorian ethics ruled the day. Bold heroine of the Falkland War The public soon cried out for more. By now the whole world knew her name, There was no end to Thatcher fame. British pride now being restored, The stage was set for trips abroad. In Germany she toured the ranks And swept along on Chieftain tanks, Her headscarf fluttering in the breeze She won the Russians round with ease. In Moscow they were most impressed When 'Iron Lady' was a guest. In fact, worldwide, she was a star, And well respected from afar, Now known for her defiant air, The deep blue suit, well coiffured hair. Ambassador? Empress? none were sure But thought she had a strange allure That added glamour to the post; The USA played eager host._ Brave victim of the Brighton bomb, Like Boadicea she battled on. In Europe there was some dismay: The lady wanted her own way.

At home her influence reached to all Even as far as the Town Hall, `Cut spending' was her rallying cry, `Inflation now is much too high!' The Civil Service, teachers too, Suddenly had a lot to do.

The NHS, although not shirking, Complained of desperate overworking,

And when the Poll Tax bills were sent There was a storm of discontent, And Thatcherism lost its spell, As her supporters knew full well. But who'd have thought that while away

In dazzling black and white array Our PM, meeting Heads of State, Would suffer such a turn of fate?

Her government, now turned about, Tried to vote poor Maggie out.

Then 'dead sheep' Geoffrey out of spite Upped and took a fatal bite And brought his master to the ground, To the shock of all around.

Some say the other lapdogs knew Such an under-handed crew.

(Take heart, dear Maggie, though you're blue, Great Caesar had his traitors too.) So let the cheer be long and loud— The Iron Lady did us proud, That we may not too soon forget Your worthy efforts, Margaret! However fickle fame may be, You have your place in history!

Patricia St Clair

Westwood, 39 Chester Road, Poole, Dorset