Last Man Standing

Last Man Standing The family was ten when I was a lad. Six siblings, Mum, Dad & Granddad. When Dad left, Granddad went as well Mum with five kids, it must have been hell. She worked hard to keep the wolf from the door. Looking back now we couldn't ask her for more. I didn't know Granddad died first in 1958 He waited with Grandma Ellen at Heavens Gate The years took their toll and Mum went to her rest, I was there at her side as she smiled and died. I didn't know Dad had died in 1977, unknown to me, It took ten years for me to learn it from my family. After Mum died Allan the youngest passed away, Joan soon followed him to Southern Cemetery. Derek was next, I was at his side when he died. By this time we were down to the last four kids, Beryl, Pat, Brian and me, this was now year 2006. Brian succumbed to cancer the following year, Again I was there as he died I shed a tear. I left the country to live upon Cyprus shore, Now it just the last three, my two sisters and me. 2012 took Pat up to Heavens Gate for her to wait, For Beryl to join her today as I said a prayer. God Bless you and keep you all safe at last. Mixed in these year there are others also passed, Brothers Barry and Colin then Peter came last. My nephews, all three, were the Johnson Boys, I was kept out, never shared in their joys. My Timperley family had parties and gatherings many, Neither Frances, I or our girls were included in any So where does this leave me, who will shed the tear, For The Last Man Standing, who will cry by my bier? Just my wife, ours girls and grandsons three. I can only pray they'll remember me. On the occasion of my sister Beryl's funeral © Dave Timperley 09 May 2018