Two Letters To Horace Poem by Sally Evans

1.
Dear Quintus Horatius Flaccus,
may I have a poem?
We run this little magazine.
It would be a good advertisement
for your books.
Our circulation is improving
and I would be sure to place your poem
in a prominent position
suited to the importance of your work.

I attended your State Reading
in our city last week.
I tried to get a question in
during the question time,
but you were mobbed. In the pub
I was the one who fell over
your briefcase. I have always liked
your work. Perhaps an ode
or a short epistle
that you have lying about?

Our readership includes
men, women and slaves.
We are non-political.
You might like to bear in mind
we are looking at the schools market
so we cannot include poems
that go too far into grottoes,
nor anything poking fun
at your patron,
Augustus. He might stop our grant.

A few fish on elm trees
in a flood,
or advice on writing haiku -
something like that.
You may liketo know also
Publius Virgilius Maro
has promised to send us something,
but he is busy with a long poem,
so it may have to wait.
Thanks. Yours sincerely,
Secretary, New Hexameter,
formerly Hendecasyllables.

2.
Dear Quintus Horatius Flaccus,
Many thanks for sending us
Ode III, XIII.
I have always been fond of
the Fons Bandusiae.
Hopefully, it will appear
in the issue after next.
I enclose a subscription form.
Thanks again. Yours sincerely,
Editor, New Hexameter,
formerly Hendecasyllables.