January 30th, 2010
I wrote this for a friend’s granddads funeral. I think it says a lot…
A Natter About Pop
Pop always joked about my nattering, so,
I’m sure he won’t mind if I natter some today,
because Pop made such an impression on me,
and that one line leaves so very much to say…
You see, my Granddad, we called him Pop,
well, there was just so much about him to like,
he always loved everyone, so… unconditionally,
and he took Shelley and I on his tradesman bike.
One in the basket, one on the handlebars, no,
we didn’t have all that ‘ealth and safety way back then,
but he also giggled when we ruined his white trainers,
roller skating tram lines have never looked good on men.
But along with Delia, he looked happy in his canary yellow,
mind you, I think they’ve had better seasons I would guess,
but along with speedway and boxing, those were his loves,
but I also know what really made up his true happi-ness.
Because I know that he loved Rene, Shaun, Mark + Debbie, and
I for one, know that his grandchildren were the apple of his eye,
Haylee, Shelley, Shannon, Callum and Summer say “thank you”,
but Pop, it is just so very hard to have to say “goodbye”.
Because you were always the joker, forever whistling, and yes,
you liked to take the Mickey, yes, Pop, you were a bit of a tease,
but then again, you were a kind, gentle and warm hearted man and
I think you’d unlocked the meaning of life, as you had many of it’s keys.
Wise and with much wisdom, you would say very little at times,
but what you said, was always so meaningful, just so profound,
you knew how to speak appropriately and respectfully to others,
and if you had nothing to say, well, you wouldn’t make a sound.
I guess you left the idle nattering and chattering to us girls,
but Pop, let me tell you, this is no idle natter as I stand here,
as I want you to know that I’m very proud to be part of yours,
and please excuse me for one moment, as I wipe away this tear.
Because since your passing, I have realized the gift you gave,
you have shown us all a better way to live on this Earth,
just imagine if we all loved, everyone, unconditionally, wow!
Yes, Pop, I really do appreciate your true and honest worth.
The gift you have left I will continue to learn from, that’s
to love, with no bounds, and to speak respectfully to others,
if I do that, I’ll keep a part of you with me at all times, but
you’ve always been there for me, I’m just pulling back the covers.
Like I said, you always joked about my nattering,
and you reckoned I always had to get the last word in,
you joked about how I was always up to something,
doing something new, you’re right, I’m about to begin.
Because the very next phase in my life will be this: Pop,
I am going to be like you, I’m going to whistle a whole lot more,
I am going to take your respect and your love and spread it,
yes, I guess that’s really what these words are for.
Because in my nattering I made up for both of us,
but certainly, your actions spoke louder than any word,
and even though you said I had to get the last word in,
what’s that? Oh I see, you’re glad that you’ve been heard…
“Allen its perfect, thank you so very very much ..
That is really really appreciated.
My family will love it, as will my grandad
Thank you!
Haylee xx”
