This poem is dangerous: It should not be left
Within the reach of children, or even adults
Who might swallow it whole, with possibly
Undesirable side-effects. If you comr across
An unattended, unidentified poem
In a public place, do not attempt to tackle it
Yourself. Send it (preferbably, in a sealed container)
To the nearest centre of learning, where it will be rendered
Harmless, by experts. Even the simplest poem
May destroy your immunity to human emotions.
All poems must carry a Government warning. Words
Can seriously affect your heart.

Elma Mitchell (1919 - 2000),  škotska pesnica.

Dobila je štipendijo na Somerville College v Oxfordu, kjer je leta 1941 pridobila prvo iz angleščine. Nadaljevala je z diplomo iz bibliotekarstva na School of Librarianship, University College London.

Delala je kot knjižničarka in informacijska referentka za BBC (1941–43). Preselila se je v Buckland St Mary v Somersetu in nato delala kot svobodna pisateljica.