PROVING that poetry is greatly prized, The Royal School, Haslemere, has selected its very own laureate.

Year nine pupil Suzy has been selected as the school’s first Poet Laureate and she will be called upon to write poems and recite them on special occasions throughout the year.

In her topical first poem, likely to strike a chord with many fellow sufferers, Suzy waxes lyrical on the agonies of hay fever.

Linda Gilbert, head of English and media, said: “I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Suzy as The Royal School Laureate.

“This is a new position which will see Suzy working closely with the English department to compose commemorative and celebratory poetry over the coming academic year.

“Suzy lives and breathes English and we know how lucky we are to be able to work with her and to showcase her poetic talents.

“I hope you enjoy reading her poem about hay fever as much as we did.”

Entitled ‘A Saunter with Hay Fever’, the poem opens:

The dewy grass tickles my feet,

Making me flinch and whine.

As the birds chirp in discord,

I glare at the creaking pine.

The poem concludes:

When I emerge from this ‘saunter’,

My skin will be scarlet from sun

My throat tired from coughing,

And I have enjoyed it none.