( for John Forster )
A captain still :
In charge once of freighted argosies
Laden with precious pupils and crew
He charted rough waters
To ever-changing destinations.
As tide is subject to moon
Older now he must set sail again
Commanding his slender barque
Exploring Literature’s wide seas.
And so with him we too strive to seek
Once-visited shores
Or undiscovered far-off lands,
Idyllic worlds, or places we do not wish to stay.
Some swing the lead,
Whilst others scramble up the rigging,
Feel the wind’s rush
And point out isles in amethyst oceans.
On each endeavour when we step aboard,
We trust his navigation and control
To skipper us to discovery and bounty
Bringing home our welcome victories
To old familiar harbours
Of lighthouse, church and quay,
Much wiser for our journey.
A splendid tribute to a cherished teacher, who passed on a love of literature so that others may flower.
Fitting and becoming.