NOEL at CHRISTMAS REMEMBERED A Christ child’s son So named in faith and time Tripled in Trinity now Handed over To that Trinity of might A man born to the faith of his fathers With a distance long travelled In triplicate of years ‘Ninety-five all out’ you’d say - ‘I’m set to go’! Laughter and loving hands Guide you now back to your home The battings over! The wicket’s covered! The time is right! To your grand children, Papa You were not grand But a child alongside them, With giggles, chuckles and imperious command With shoulders that shook with silent laughter With quirky words that tickled And took their fancy ‘Tho knighted by your peers For work well done You are a man who Humbled himself indeed His son’s forgiveness to ask - Sought on bended knee, It was a duty, And lovingly given Our hearts bid a gentle goodbye To a gentleman Whilst others erstwhile gone Salute your coming, The feast prepared and ready! So thus you lived in faith And so you now in faith are sent Be there for us Noel When we your family Also seek that journey With an innings well owned And a life well lived We salute your passing! God’s place is heaven, So there and here Prayer is with and for you Now and ever Amen