Lessons

LESSONS (In Memorium: Mervyn T Rodrigues, RIP, Dec 30, 2020; Our Form Teacher, 4Science2, Class of 1971, St Joseph’s Institution, Singapore) ~~~~~~~~~ Said and done Glimpse of smart ones A brilliant batch A serious catch Four Science Two spawned: Sheer flavours fond! We grow up Fill our own cups A path calls each To live brief reach Aim our best shot: Quest our sweet lot! ~~~~~~~~~ A fond trace On a good face Wit forged a style That winsome smile With a shrewd charm: A stern kind arm! An odd lot Bore play and plot No time for gloom In that classroom In the back row: I felt so slow! ~~~~~~~~~ Old school days Echoes now stray Lessons on Lit. Shakespeare did fit Form teacher then: Words well-spent friend! A sure cite Essays to write Long ago chimes Mellow old times Lost old school mists: Death files last gist! ~~~~~~~~~ In quick flash Age brought swift dash We recall when Fifty years then Echoes of old: Form teacher bold! Now and here Glimpse old times cheer PE once stroked Antics and jokes Success wrought best: Joy in full fest! ~~~~~~~~~ All too soon Life’s last high noon Gone beyond cheer As death draws near Grief comes to call: Sweet turns to gall! Loss frames toll Sad words cast poll A farewell note A “Thank You” vote Rest in peace Sir: We feel sad blur! ~~~~~~~~~ That olde school Now museum cool Bras Basah Road Old echoes load School days long gone: Old passage borne! Tryst with fate Here at the gate Mister R‘s wit We recall bits A curious time: SJI chimes! ~~~~~~~~~ Leon Enriquez 04 January 2021 Singapore