Franks Forage No 15. ‘Carry’
M.E.L: My Carry
Tall chimneys silhouette against the western sky; Windy gusts ripple Avon’s surface gliding by To counter the current and rustle the waving sedge. Through Willement’s glass, rays stain the carpet’s edge And luce below in ambush awaits an unwary dace; Starlings swoop and swerve, full of autumnal grace.
From the library window she looks across camp field To Welcombe in the distance and to reminiscence yield. Charlecote beloved brought her love and often tears; Much cheerful gain and sad loss through the years; That dreadful alpine journey and George her dearest love; Young Reginald and—Carry; at rest in peace above!
“Carry, my Carry – my delicate summer flower; A reed swayed by the wind that snapped in the final hour. On evenings cool around the lake we walked Arm in arm. Of India, love and peace we talked; Picked morning blossom, the grass so damp with dew. Carry, my Carry, there was so much of me in you.
My anxious fears when you married Powlett Lane; I kept your bridal wreath. It reminds me of the pain. I missed you so – you were too far from home And your return prepared you for the tomb. Carry, my Carry - now in Heaven’s realm secure You rest in a Home far greater, that’s for sure!”
The sun has disappeared behind the Welcombe hill. Save for the rustle of the sedge it is both quiet and still. There’s a murmur in the Dinner Room – the guests are met; The table with Storr’s cutlery all ready is and set. She from the window turns and through the double door Greets them with a gracious smile – no less, no more.
Frank Storr October 2010
In 2010 I was invited to write a poem for the ‘100 Verses’ that Glenys Williams organised on the theme of ‘Home’. I pictured Mary Elizabeth looking from the Library window awaiting guests for dinner. With the help of Julie Robinson, fellow Tuesday volunteer, who read the verses in italics, we recorded it on to a Dictaphone or similar piece of apparatus. I wonder where that recording is. It should be played sometime!
Frank would welcome comments and any additional information you may have on ‘Frank’s Forages’. Contact him by email on n.splurge@btinternet.com You can also leave comments in the Tuesday Day Leader’s pigeon hole.
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