A Tribute To Lionel Clarke

At times we met before a long walk

Those times we embraced the chance to talk

Reminiscing of gone years and better times

I remember his aversion to all moral crimes

Back from his work on the sea

Usually he shared his adventures with me

There was much he had to say that was a joy to hear

Every chat I thought brought us closer each year

Then he retired and our time was plenty

Our talks got more involved and the subjects got many

Life experienced and experiences still not yet seen

I enjoyed what was fast becoming our nocturnal routine

Only, times changed and it was my time to work

No more time for our talks, I had become a busy young clerk

Employment stole away our chats at night

Lionel had become a friend who was now barely in sight

Couldn’t get to see each other until one day

Life took a change again and at home I would stay

And with a hug in the street I reunited with my friend

Rekindled our chats, though more briefly they tend

Kept contact and I learnt that he had accepted God’s way

Eternal God, though the body dost protest, the spirit dost obey

With My Deepest Sympathy