Sir, – An Irishman’s Diary (“A young soldier’s letter home: Arthur Beesley on Michael Longley and a found poem”, November 15th) beautifully captures the emotion in the writing and receiving letters from loved ones at the front. I have a letter in pencil from my grandfather-in-law sent home to his mother in Bangor in the December after the Somme.
He imagines her getting the turkey in for Christmas and hopes she will use her well-loved plum pudding recipe. He reassures her that he and his brothers are well, while knowing that one has been badly injured.
You cannot read the kind sentiments expressed without feeling the heartfelt emotions and thoughts of home.
Arthur Beesley’s Diary on Michael Longley captured that too and we are so grateful for that record. – Yours, etc,
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IAN ELLIOTT,
Belfast.
