Rick Howarth Poet Rhyme

The Marathon Man

I had a friend who was to me
 the very best a friend can be,
so loyal, warm and humorous,
a Cornish Celt to truly trust.

I see him now with smiling face, 
so strong and fit to win the race,
the problems in our working days 
diminished by his winning ways.

An educator, kind and caring, 
valued knowledge always sharing
with all his students, most who knew 
here was  a teacher fair and true.

His talent was to harmonize 
some fun and knowledge in their eyes,
humanity and Science combined
within his teaching, firm but kind.

And to his colleagues straight and true, 
courageously expressed his view.
his pride of birth-right without rant 
or bigoted degrading cant

Accepted without prejudice 
what lesser men turn into vice.
so many warmed towards this man, 
enchanted by the charm he span 

And partnered by his loving wife 
he welcomed friends into his life.
their table had the best of fare 
for this man had a talent rare,

His cooking skills so finely honed 
that many a chef could be dethroned
so proud my wife and I would be 
when welcomed to their sanctuary.

Through working days a course we ran 
deriving strength to carry on,
his wise words guided me to see 
the best time when we both broke free

Work routine however worthy 
never matching freedom’s journey,
Both found ourselves two new careers 
though did not have close friendships cheer.

Then circumstances and neglect 
reduced our contact and respect
and though we met from time to time 
our friendship suffered a decline

I never thought the steps of time 
approaching swiftly from behind
would overtake him in life’s race 
and sickness claimed such strength and grace.

I'm one of many, this I know,
and not alone to miss him so,
but I've no faith to ease the strife
with promises of afterlife.

Of him past memories all that’s left 
now I am of my friend bereft
with life a sadder, bleaker place 
never again to see his face.

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Jan Allison November 22, 2017 at 6:53 AM What a lovely tribute Rick and I think many of us can relate to circumstances changing and not spending time with people and then sadly they are with us no more and we have regrets and can do nothing about it (and the penultimate stanza applies to me too) :-( hugs Jan xx Rick Howarth November 22, 2017 at 11:19 AM Hi Jan, so sorry you have similar regrets but as you say, so have many. Such is life. Thank you for reading and commenting. Regards Rick xx