'My Aga Saga' by Mrs M E Winfield, Ledbury

We had a new house built for when we were wed,
We hadn't much furniture, 'cept for a bed.
But out in the kitchen, the hub of our home,
Stood a brand-new blue Aga, with lids made of chrome.

I knew how to cook on this versatile stove,
For ma-in-law had one, and may tales wove.
Of baking and pickling and cleaning the flue,
Of boiling of nappies and airing them, too.

So, armed with this info I made it my aim,
To master the art of the Aga's aclaim.
It cooked to perfection: it really was great,
And visitors marvelled at dishes they ate.

It heated the water, it kept the house cosy,
It sheltered new kittens, made children's cheeks rosy.
It warmed new-born goat-kids when mother was ill.
It warmed children's toes when the snow made them chill.

We changed it to oil, so the labour was less,
And the absence of coal-dust removed all the mess.
When we moved home, twenty-four years ago,
Our new house's Aga was a veteran, so
It was back to the hods full of coal twice a day,
Till I found us a gas-supply, not far away.

With the family flown and my dear husband dead,
My Aga, my collie and I share a bed,
That may not be of roses, but still has its joys,
With grandchildren now, from my three lovely boys.