2548: Poem VII – solution

The poem is ‘Rondeau’ by Leigh Hunt. Its first three words as quoted in ODQ are ‘JENNY KISSED ME’ (diagonally from 1). The words are JUMPING (1A), SAD (19), SWEETS (35), OLD (38), HEALTH (7D), WEARY (8), THIEF (18), GROWING (30D) and WEALTH (33). HUNT (29) was to be shaded.

First prize Terry Lavell, London E17

Runners-up Ann Holme, Salisbury, Wiltshire; Richard Higson, Rugby, Warwickshire