The foliage free trees bowed in your honour as the court dipped their heads,

and the angels wept at your passing and the mourners cried with Humanity’s tears.

The Great Satchmo’s voice strengthening the memory of what

was loved about you and the time you gave others,

yet deep down inside we knew that the Jazz man lied

for we don’t have all the Time in the world,

for far too soon it is all over and an angel greets their new recruit and

she will forever smile upon you.

This courtly procession in a Leicestershire lane,

where birds stopped their squabbling and tearing at the Earth,

to pay you homage Nell, and rightly so.

Three strong boys, grown men all,

will carry the expectation of a family name on

and with tenderness becoming, hold dearly the greatest of men’s heart’s closer.

This house by the canal where ducks serenaded the start of a Loughborough day,

fall silent as your life is remembered with joy.

Ian D. Hall 2015