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  • Ode to Pete

    By Michael Reid

    11th April 2014

    On the passing of my brother in 2014, for his Memorial Service

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    Ode to Pete


    Come, bid me farewell as I head out to sea
    I’m off to another reunion
    The horizon beyond is calling to me
    The ocean my perfect seclusion.

    Well here we are, it’s the time we all feared
    I’m sorry I’m not up to greet you
    But I realised there’s somewhere else I need to be.
    Yes, it’s fitting we share a few mem’ries and tears
    But I swear that my time here was plenty for two
    So there’s no need to pine over me.

    I built skateboards, caravans, and billy carts
    And we’d steer them down Kings Road Vaucluse
    We’d cycle to swim down in Alf Vockler’s baths
    And we’d sail Manly Juniors there too.

    We chased Mr Whippy for Gluggs and ice-cream
    Got banned from St Peters and the Cubs
    Not much study was done at old Grammar School
    Banned from Alf’s as well, had no worries it seemed
    Perisher, Palmy, and Vaucluse Yacht Club
    Life flourished with very few rules.

    Our home in Woollahra, where we became men
    And many a party was held there
    These years were defined by a new regimen
    South West Rocks formed the means to repair.

    As a teenager, I took to the surf
    Saving lives became my summer sport
    Fantastic for picking up girls I might add
    So Palm Beach became my default summer turf
    I relished these times, such a fabulous rort
    Yet much more joy was still to be had.

    From that skinny kid at the Vaucluse Yacht Club
    To Cavalier and African Queen
    We’ve come quite a way from the old Grammar tubs
    Please take good care of What Boat? for me.
     
    Bid me farewell as I polish my last car
    And I fear for my tools with some dread
    The new garage cupboards are well above par 
    I finally finished the pool shed.

    I’ve eaten fine food and I’ve drunk fine wine
    And I’ve dined dressed in suits and bow ties
    Yet my treasured meals were with family and friends
    On a bright sunny day, at their house or mine
    With cold sausages, rum & coke, and meat pies
    Cheering “here’s to good health” without end.
     
    The greatest days of my life, what double thrill
    To have watched the birth of my daughters 
    And all I ask so that my life is fullfilled 
    That they be each other’s supporter.

    I hope that my actions defined the man
    I wasn’t accepting of rumour
    More the loving and loyal son, brother, friend,
    Loving and devoted husband and Dad
    Some say a wicked and sharp sense of humour
    And a Billy Thorpe fan to the end.
     

    Come, bid me farewell as I head out to sea
    I’m off to another reunion
    The horizon beyond is calling to me
    The ocean my perfect illusion.

    Push me away from the shore one last time
    Cheer and laugh with me as I set course
    I’m feeling the breeze and I’m trimming the sails
    The forecast is clear and the weather sublime
    I’m living the dream with no sense of remorse
    Just a library of jokes and great tales.

    Don’t pity me for the winds I was tossed
    Don’t grieve for the pain of my leaving
    While I agree the lost battle was tragic
    There’s always a lesson to come from a cost
    Your life is a tapestry ripe for weaving
    And my life is part of your fabric.

    So bid me farewell as I head out to sea
    My bow points to an unchartered realm
    The horizon beyond is calling to me
    And I’m back in command of the helm.


    Michael Reid, April 2014

    ©️  Michael Reid 2014, all rights reserved

  • The Greatest of Guys

    By Michael Reid

    10th April 2014

    Following the death of my brother.

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    The Greatest of Guys


    The greatest of guys has just left us,
    He's taken his last boat to sea
    He's driven his last fancy vehicle,
    He's taken the life out of me.

    My big brother hero just left me,
    He's saved me just so many times,
    He'd counsel against rash decisions,
    Then sup on the smokes and the vines.

    He was all you could want at a party,
    The sharpest one lines in the house,
    Way too many jokes to remember,
    The lion and never the mouse.

    His actions defined his commitment,
    To his wife and his children and me,
    The rule that he taught was to give more,
    And to love as the fish loves the sea.

    He taught that you can be too serious,
    He's left such a strong legacy
    His actions spoke louder than words,
    Lived with honesty, integrity.

    The strength that he showed was enormous,
    When faced with his terminal fate,
    He accepted the cards that were dealt him,
    Then worried for those in his wake.

    He doubled the time they had given,
    He told us to live and not grieve,
    He cared more for those left behind,
    And so tripled the love he would leave.

    Farewell from your mother and father,
    Farewell from your family and friends,
    We are all so much richer for your life,
    We will bask in your gifts to the end.

    The greatest of guys has just left us,
    He's taken his last boat to sea
    He's driven his last fancy vehicle,
    He's taken the life out of me.
     

    Mick Reid
    April 2014
     
    © Michael Geoffrey Reid 2014, all rights reserved
     
     
  • Leave Nothing on the..

    By Michael Reid

    20th March 2014

    ‘“Oh that’s good, Sammy’s here, Mick’ll be okay.”

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    Leave Nothing on the Table


    Tonight I watched my best man
    Writhing in a hospital bed
    They couldn’t get the morphine in fast enough
    I wish I was here in his stead.

    Watching my sweet brother die
    Saying goodbye so slowly, so long
    All I can say to my friends
    Is cherish the time lest it’s gone.

    Hold on to this minute my friend
    It might be the last one you know
    Hold on to this minute my friend
    You might be the last one to go.

    Make love to your wife while you can
    Spend time with your loved ones, and grow
    Hold on to this minute my friend
    It might be the last one you know.

    Leave nothing on the table
    Leave nothing more to say
    Leave nothing on the table
    Leave no more cards to play.
     

    March 2014
     
     
    ©️ Michael Reid 2014, all rights reserved
     

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