Ruby

to Mrs Ruby Baker, who was Matron at Magdalen College School, Oxford,
on her hundredth birthday, June 23rd 2009

Warmest of women, warmest of days,
a lilting of light, a midsummer song,
you are the lady of the sun’s rays.

Modest and loving in your ways,
a practical mind to make life strong,
warmest of women, warmest of days,

that knows, with a certainty that stays,
a delicious coolness all along.
You are the lady of the sun’s rays.

Yours is the part that common-sense plays
to teach the young world right from wrong.
Warmest of women, warmest of days,

a house of schoolboys never repays
the one who helped them to belong.
You are the lady of the sun’s rays.

Pure honour to you. The land displays
the gift of your light, a century long.
Warmest of women, warmest of days,
you are the lady of the sun’s rays.