A Poem for Bob’s Passing.

Today is a sad day. We heard of the death of our Bestman and friend Bob. We never lost touch with him but we had not seen him face to face for nearly forty years. Last year we met up with him at our Golden Wedding anniversary and again this year with five other friends from the park we used to go to as teenagers.

For Bob

Playing football after dark
Meeting mates down the park
Two lads growing through their teens.
Full of hopes , fun and dreams.

Both became each others right hand man.
One made best man, so grand.
Each had the others wing
Staying friends was their thing.

© willowdot21

As years went by the meetings dwindled
Though memories were often kindled.
Eventually a yuletide greeting
With promises of a reunion meeting.

The years and miles kept them separated.
Til an anniversary meeting was fated.
Soon the years just fell away
As they celebrated 50 years since that wedding day.

© willowdot21

Then a meeting with friends from the park.
Food and beer talk of aging, having a lark .
Talk of knees and operations
Grandchildren, bills and vacations.

A simple operation on the cards
Who’d of thought the outcome could be so hard.
The heart once so big and strong
Could not cope and he was gone.

We are left behind unbelieving
Only just back together, now left grieving.

© willowdot21

9th April 1951 — 22nd April 2022.