“Granny! Red currant jelly’s much the best!”

“Black’s best for colds” she’d say, as she caressed

With firm kind fingers my rough curly head.

She rarely kissed me. Deep within was bred

Acid reserve and purity ... those red

Ripe currants, with their pleasant acid tang,

Seemed to me just like Grandmother! I sang

My multiplication-tables till they rang

Loud through the garden where dear Granny sat

Smiling—well-pleased—with firmly-tied black hat!