John Staveley

When you've opened your card from hallmark,
And eaten your breakfast in bed,
When you've shared out the last of the chocolates
And all the roses are dead,
...

Somewhere in my past I spoke to horses
And listened to them argue about god,
I walked with them and ran though their grasses.
...

When he was tired of building new defence
For princes who would never understand,
Da Vinci sat and watched the sea grow old.
His heart could not remember what to hold.
...

This mark states simply “Here is now”.
It settles in each passing age,
Reminds us “We have come this far”;
It even indicates our page.
...

The pastry maker’s hands are strong.
Because he understands his art

He knows his strength cannot dictate
The shape the rising choux will take.
...

What shall I wear to speak of my dad’s life?
A new grey suit, a tie and boots that pinch.
What can we learn about the man who’s left,
Besides his thoughts and deeds and everything?
...