From Freida:

In answer to Father Peter’s request for a favourite poem, favourite hymn and favourite violin piece here are my choices:-

Favourite Poem – ‘Youth and Age’ by Samuel Taylor Coleridge – This poem is said to be one of Coleridge’s most romantic poems contrasting youth and old age. The entire canvas of life changes as we grow old, and things take on a different meaning….and in spite of our perceived frailties it is our thoughts however which keep us young and hopeful.
I have adopted this poem which was often recited by my dearest mother who is in heaven. Each time I hear it or read it, it reminds me of her and brings back floods of loving memories especially the verse beginning:-

“Flowers are lovely; love is flower-like; Friendship is a sheltering tree; O! the Joys, that came down shower-like of Friendship, love and liberty, Ere I was old! Ere I was old? Ah woeful Ere, which tells me, Youth’s no longer here! O Youth! for years so many and sweet, ‘Tis known that thou and I were one, I’ll think it but a fond conceit – It cannot be that thou art gone!