Alan no longer exists,

has disappeared

gone up the reverse spiral

off the ladder of no more rungs

his respects paid

seeded in pockets of low resistance.

 

       In case you didn't know him too well

       there is the skip outside his house

 

       sodden with the forced tears

       of a sort of purgatory

       awaiting pulp and peace

but help yourself before it's too late

in the skip of old comforts

benefits in a life of simple belief.

 

Alan lived with modest hope of miracles

his wife the one that got away,

dementia blanked her out ,

the silver lining peeled off

before anyone could have their say.

 

I picked out one of her keepsakes

he had preserved,

a tiny book  "Nearer to God."

On the inside handwriting:

"To Mrs Binfield"

proof of confirmation  1950.

 

"Fight the Good Fight."