Elegy

You were like Nelsons Column
standing tall, strong and solid
a friend and confidante, you
held us together like glue.
Your children scattered worldwide
letters flew from north to south
telephone calls day and night
in darkness, you were our light.
You found me in an island
told me stories of times past
spray painted silver holly
and entertained my folly.
But one day I woke up cold
the world had deleted you
vanished from weekend play dates
disappeared without a trace.
We didn’t know what happened
We didn’t have any clue
We waited for you to ring
But all we had was nothing.
Just a picture on the wall
your children’s children ask who
is that bright beaming shadow
we cry, just somebody we used to know.