Elegy to an Old Friend


Once loved, yet faded like a well-read book,
Its woven linen cover marked by use,
With pages stained by passing years and loose,
You became my cherished and trusted friend.

How you with grace and gentle manner’s key,
Unlocked the cloistered halls of civil power,
And thus fulfilled my pressing need to know,
If there the seeds of honest purpose flowered.

As lively prose springs from the favoured book,
Your cheering words brought light to gloomy days,
With keen wit you unlocked my cool reserve,
And as does well-wrought prose, enriched my life.

Death doubtless claims your lifeless body's soul,
But he'll not dare your Yorkshire wit control!
Location: Milton Keynes, UK

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