For George...

(In Memory of the Reverend George Potter)

 

How do I tell the world you've gone

Old friend, with never a tear,

When we knew each other for ever so long

In the world that spins out there,

For we rubbed along with an easy grace

And you taught me how to pray,

I thought that you'd see me out, old friend,

But death has snatched you away!

 

I mind when the stage of life was full

And we bent our backs to the toil,

When the days and the nights weren't long enough

And we burned the midnight oil,

When we schemed and dreamed of a better world,

And we played our part throughout,

With what it took, with a wing and a prayer

We saw it all work out!

 

The years went by and I saw you still

When you called, with that friendly smile,

And a joy it was in those afternoons

When we'd talk a measured mile,

I thought you'd always be there for me,

A friendship forged in steel,

For friends are few when the friend is true,

But the friend in you was real.

 

But now the shadows have lengthened at

The long, hard end of things,

As I sit in the shaded garden seat

And wait for the pain it brings,

But how do I tell the world you've gone

Old friend, with never a tear,

With my eyes awash at your memory,

As you're laid to rest out there?

 

David Lewis Paget

 

21 May 2010

Reviews

[Doreen]

This is fabulous! You brought out so much emotion with this - it's true and deep felt, that is so clear. You've brought to light the type of man and friend that he was. As I read this, my eyes teared up. It reads so smoothly and the pace is perfect. Wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing!

[Ellen Hammond]

What a lovely tribute to such a special friend. I don't believe it would be possible to write this without shedding tears as it brings tears to my eyes too. The loss of a dear friend is never easy to accept because they are so few and far between. I lost one of my dearest friends 14 months ago and I still miss him terribly. Even though it has been a few months since you posted this, I am just now reading it and my heart truly aches with compassion for you. Thank you for sharing a bit of George with us.

[Mark]

Though i have never personally experienced the DEATH of a dear friend, I have LOST many, through attrition, as the son of a Naval officer. So, to a limited degree, I feel your pain, the remorse at things undone and words unsaid, the regret at things done and words said (yes, they pass even between the BEST of friends!) and yes, also the anger, at the years of fulfillment and fun that shall never now come to pass. A beautiful heartfelt rendition, ole son. Not a speck or evil, greed or retribution, just pure unfettered pain. Thank you.

[Valentine]

David, I read this on the u.k. site and expressed deep feelings there..If this was a dear friend I am so sorry for your loss..As for the work it self..it is brilliant as always..You have your own style and are such a brain for someone dropping out of school..You continue to amaze me and I pray you get known across the world..lol and God bless Lyn and you Mate...Kathie

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

"For friends are few when the friend is true,
And the friend in you was real."

These lines resonate so profoundly.

When we bury someone we love, we must also bury a piece of our heart. But we should not bemoan this loss. Our hearts, perhaps, are all they can take with them.