U Bob
Above St Paul's the sun is waning, as Bob lays his pen to rest.
Wistfully he thinks of Simpson's, where at lunch he dined a guest
On steak & kidney pie and Roast Beef: 'Please tell chef to leave the fat.'
His clients worried over taxes, inflation and this and that.
Bob straight across the table linen does his best to reassure,
Some wit, a smile, an anecdote: 'Another Slice?' - 'Oh just one more!'
To his clients he's a confessor where their money matters lie.
Bob the father chuckles lightly and pours the gravy on their pie.
Luncheon finished, books in order, Lofting Smith & Co grows dark,
Robert strides out in the sunshine, through the gates of Wren's old park.
Overhead the blue sky is empty, but he thinks of other days
When the air was filled with sirens, while bombs rained down through summer haze.
From the youth in Bournemouth sunshine, digging for a rainy day
To the young man set to marry on a thin accountant's pay.
Overseeing all his charges as the City's buildings burn.
Like St Paul's he defied them, trusted God and took his turn.
Down the hill past Ludgate Circus, Bob hurries on to catch his train
Home to Cynth and home to 'Plumfield' deep in the suburban main.
Home is where Bob's English heart is, home is buried deep in mirth
Home is church and home is country, home is digging up the earth.
Home is digging up the allotment with 'Little Bin' and Charlie there.
Home is gathered around the table eating all the home grown fare.
Home is the joy of having children, home is sharing all this love
Home is knowing how to count up all those blessings from above.
Home became a place in Ashford when he laid his work to rest.
Twilight spent with his grandchildren precious time he loved the best.
Then suddenly his health desserted, but still his love of life remained
Though his body would not answer, his sharpened mind was not contained.
So at last the sun has waned far beyond the dome's West rim.
But when I hear some distant laughter all I do is think of him.
He knew that life was an adventure and that it is all worthwhile
Keen his faith and keen his spirit, keen his wit that made me smile.
Binneyink