On the day they line the streets,

I hope they remember to smile.

There should be no tears falling,

not in this place, only in the comfort

of a joke well told, the punch line

creating laughter

in the crowd, for on this day

as they line the streets for a son of Liverpool,

waving tatty-bye for now, tickle sticks

in hand, clutched tight, remember

the man brought joy,

one that cannot be replaced.

Ian D. Hall 2018