Dad

 

Significant and somewhat enigmatic

he always sat in his favourite armchair

wing backed, quite upright as he loathed cushions

He cut a dignified figure, well groomed

clothes carefully chosen, made to measure

forever in shirt and tie

A wardrobe of his generation in neat array

suits, flannels, blazers, sports jackets

and a varied assortment of ties

monogrammed handkerchiefs, with cufflinks

and shirts with detachable collars

Sturdy footwear black and brown only

oxford toe caps and brogues

He sat there in state

often oblivious to those around him

 

With pipe held firmly in his mouth

spectacles drooping slightly forward

he would read with the posture of a student

He detested television and called it

an insult to his intelligence

whilst mother watched endless SOAP operas

His books were of Shakespeare and Kipling

as he had a passion for poetry and prose

A E Houseman, Robert Service and others

neatly lined his bookcase, the standard bearers

of a world long since gone

 

He was a Tory, an ardent monarchist

despised socialism and had difficulty with God

His manners were impeccable 

a sense of humour second to none

He had fought the Japanese in Burma

and never changed his Rover 2000 for another model

He required all things to be in order

and possessed the attributes of a domestic tyrant

He was consistent, sensible and sharp witted

 

I can see him now, still hear his voice

I loathed him then but now have a love for him

as he generated respect

One always knew where one stood with him

Devoted to my mother, a strict overbearing father

who cosseted his garden and made his own powerful brew

I wish he were still here

as I would liked to have known him more

He died the day of his first pension payment

It was a life of duty and service