In Memoriam Glen (Brammel) Bramford (1990-2002) Poem by Ray Mather

Whenever I think of Glen
I will remember when...
Shirt out, breathless, late from lunchtime break,
He would arrive at my door seemingly out of sorts;
His red face, urgent, excusing his mistake,
“You can’t hear the bell on the tennis courts! ”

Whenever I think of Glen
I will remember when...
The register was called and it reached his name
Too busy talking he didn’t even stir.
The class went quiet and in mock shame
He bowed his head and smiled, “Oh, soz, sir! ”

Whenever I think of Glen
I will remember when...
A voice called out from the back of the class
And I demanded to know which of them had sinned
The answer arrived and was shouted out en masse
“It was Brammel” ... and Brammel grinned.

Whenever I think of Glen
I will remember when...
One Saturday night when I was out for a meal
Musing over the menu wondering how much to spend
Glen greeted me with a delighted squeal:
“It’s Mr Mather! ” like I was a long lost friend.

Whenever I think of Glen
I will remember when...
A lad with a laugh and a lust for life
Joined my tutor and, for a year, shone.
He was loud and funny and sharp as a knife –
Now he is gone.

It’s hard to accept I will not see him again,
But I will always fondly remember Glen.


© Ray Mather 2002