I lived from 1797-1867.
I was from Great Britain, and am in the English category.
Maria Abdy, née Smith (c. 1797-1867) was an English poet, the daughter of Richard Smith who was a solicitor. Maria was the niece of James and Horace Smith who were the authors of the comedy book "Rejected Addresses", written in 1812. Maria was also the niece of the poet and novelist Horace Smith (who can me found here on Old Poetry.)
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Maria married John Abdy, a clergyman and they had at least one child before John died in the 1830's.
Known as Mira to her family, she wrote religious poems and published poetry in periodicals and annuals where she often signed her name simply as, "M.A."
Many of Maria's poem were written about common life, sometimes mildly didactic as in, "Broken Ties" which is included here on Old Poetry. But she could also be very clever, showing the influence of her uncles as in, "My Very Particular Friend," which can also be read here on Old Poetry. Maria Abdy died on July 19, 1867.
Works:
Poetry, 1834
Poetry, 2nd series, 1838
Poetry, 3rd series
Poetry, 4th series
Poetry, 5th series
Poetry, 6th series
Poetry, 7th series
Poetry, 8th series, 1862
My poetry
Yes, bright the velvet lawn appears,
And fair the blooming bowers;
16 lines
Are you struck with her figure and face?
How lucky you happened to meet
72 lines
The Broken Ties of happier days,
How often do they seem
45 lines
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