A Biker's Funeral Poem by Pete Crowther

A Biker's Funeral

Rating: 4.9


(In memory of Stephen (Reggie) Pearce
of Kilnsea,1980–2005)

The wind blows cold through the churchyard trees
and sadly tolls the passing bell
as mourners shuffle up the leaf-strewn
narrow path between the leaning stones.

He was just twenty-five, so young,
so full of life, and love of life
and laughter — killed outright one night
in a head-on crash on his motorbike.

From far and wide we’ve gathered here
to pay respect to our young friend.
I’ve never seen the church so full,
oh death, how can you be so cruel?

Who will forget this funeral?
Four hundred strong in the nave we stood,
family and friends both young and old
and a phalanx of bikers in leathers and boots.

Between the holy platitudes
and hymns they played his favourite songs;
one had to smile to hear within
that ancient august church of stone

come belting out the vibrant tones
of modern rock and heavy metal.
Who can forget the coffin passing
in procession like a royal barque,

the biker’s helmet on its lid
resplendent in heraldic tones
— rich gules, azure, argent, or,
a shining light of knightly splendour?

Who will forget that send-off from
his fellow bikers when three score
or more bright gleaming motorcycles
with a thunderous roar led off the hearse?

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Ernestine Northover 18 October 2005

It must have been a splendid send off Peter, and your poem is a tribute indeed. Sincerely Ernestine

0 1 Reply
Amberlee Carter 18 October 2005

as sad as this is, I get the feeling he would of wanted to die riding his bike...though I don't really know since I didn't actually know him. either way, this is a wonderful tribute to another soul...well done my friend..

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Egal Bohen 19 October 2005

Significant poem Peter- Motorcyclists will bond - death can unite - Egal Bohen..

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Lara W.a 20 October 2005

Peter, this is nice. Ur descriptions are vivid, i can picture the whole thing. A wonderful tribute indeed. Good job, Peter =)

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Philippa Lane 26 October 2005

Such a sad occasion, but you wrote a wonderful poem to show death can unite.

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Chinedu Dike 28 May 2015

A very sorrowful occasion elegantly penned in beautiful poetic diction, to vividly recreate the ceremony in readers minds. Death is a very bad reaper often going after unripe fruits. But then, dust to dust is a must. A lovely poem bristling with emotion. Thanks for sharing. Please read my poem MANDELA - THE IMMORTAL ICON.

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purple moon 19 June 2007

this is beautiful. and this will live forever like your memories. well done. x

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Cyclopseven R 19 December 2006

This person must have been such a wonderful soul that attracts many to bid the final farewell. Wonderful elegy. I feel I too missed him a lot, whoever he is. God bless.

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Original Unknown Girl 10 October 2006

What a lovely ode to one who died so young. Sounds like this guy was very dearly thought of and loved. It's good to preserve those thoughts in a poem. HG xx

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Patricia Gale 28 February 2006

Fully descriptive to were you could feel the vibrations from the engines as the rumbled. Great write Patricia

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Pete Crowther

Pete Crowther

Hull, East Yorkshire, England
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