Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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SIXTH – VIVACIOUS

I

Born is our most beautiful exquisite county
Spreading from a middle-class backcloth
And living with a staunch Yorkshire tendency
Actors flutter on moors as butterflies and moths

Playing parts from character to creature
Hidden attractiveness as the cold misty day
Portraying every delicate minute feature
Maintaining standards in your own inimitable way

A found talent in theatrical colleges
As all the audiences will never have known
Then acquire strong useful thespian knowledge
A survival then only to be left again alone

Your feminine outlook so strong never mild
Whilst your attractions tamed no longer running wild


II

A successful traditional talented actress
Succeeds in parts both classic and popular
For above or beneath the wine-dark success
Always lies the haunted world of greased drama

Fame such strength in weakness of emotion
As the silent captivity of a patient dove
Yet few can guess and gauge strong reaction
Absolutely romantic but devoid of real love

Initial disclaimer of membership of the Establishment
Growing to become a non-conformist of inveigled charm
Acting potential outrun with partial development
Where the invertebrates stand and face such harm

Your lasting value in the theatre as its star
Now never underrated at least so far


DR Harrogate September 1973