Designed to last up till now, Shed its seed like an old person Whose job has been done, and is waiting, Waiting for his last day to come, Easily ruffled by wind, by rain; Oh, someone take me away.

By Jon Moore aged 13 who receives Poems on the Underground, published by Cassell. Submitted by Sophie Smiley of Netherhall, Cambridge who receives The Poetry Society’s teachers’ newsletter. For Poetry Society events ring 0171 240 4810.

Jon has used his eyes and his imagination and come up with a poem that enables the reader to envisage both the plant and the old person it makes him think of. Young people’s poems about the unfortunate are often unconvincing. Here, in the closing lines, I sense genuine compassion.