Brickie

for a great person

Sometimes his false teeth fell out as he ate his sandwiches

in the tea-break ; but he had the laughing eyes of a barrow boy

and the stride of Goliath. He liked a pint after work and hated it 

when children didn´t get enough to eat. No fan of book learning

he was clever in his own way - he could put up a wall quicker

than a fat aunt could crush a biscuit by sitting on it - and

we all liked him, even the boys from Letterkenny who never said much.

We were gods of gravel and earth.

We could build anything.

And when we drove home from the site through Islington

we all sang, Krishna  like,

Harry Brickie, Harry Brickie, Brickie Bricke, Harry Harry.

Here`s to you mate.

Please forgive me for writing a poem about you.

Reviews

[Wolf's Dark Song]

Great tribute poem for your friend. He does sound like a really great guy.

[cartera]

Meant to say: well done.

[cartera]

As a person who has worked as a brickie's labourer and know the world of the sites, I was drawn by the title to open this one. (A good labourer is well worthy of his hire.) The practical man is also an artist, though many claim that not to be true. But many walls and buildings will still be here when literary critics are dust. The solidarity and fun of the world of physical labour is something that I miss, having 'graduated' into the lower middle class. Still love to work with bricks and mortar in the garden or for friends. Therapeutic and spiritually uplifting.
ATB
Alex.

[Audrey Howitt]

And we are the richer for it. Thank you Leslie

[Allen Smuckler]

Forgive nothing, Leslie....this is a heartwarming, honest and wonderful write...I absolutely loved it as I'm sure Harry did/would. I too know a man like Harry Brickie...we call him Choppers. I smiled while reading this ode as I thought of c
Choppers and how he lost his smile while eating a chicken wing....now I'm laughing out loud...no one said a word. :))
Alen

[quinfinn]

one can feel the genuine comeraderie and gentle fondness for the objectified party in this clever and seemingly whimsical write. a loving tribute to your best of mates.
good vibes in this touching write. well done!

[Circe]

I love these poems of celebrating someone's life, their trade, passions, their idiosyncrasies, this evokes a special fondness and affection that warms your heart, plants a smile on your face, a very precious and humbling gift...