We met several years previously,
Before we moved into different gyms,
Bumped into each other at new gym
And a couple of years later, it turned out
We spent ages pool-side chatting about golf and pool
And music. We shook on it: I would teach him guitar
And he would give me some pointers on my golf swing. (And usually when watching golf it is usually with someone reluctant.
So being able to discuss matters technically was sheer bliss.)
Such a generous host, and human being there is no doubt
(And we had several long heart-to-hearts
Regarding our pasts. And pissed off the other campers.
During The Masters weekend I watched the golf around yours.
We cooked together, laughed like giggly schoolchildren,
And got all the jokes my other friends didn't;
We shared similar tastes in music, upon which he was open to all genres, and recommendations, there was no doubt
That I was in the presence of loyalty.
And it’s just not on that your fish pie was
Inedible, and then eaten by only me.
I ain’t saying it wasn’t vaguely
Flavoursome, but it soon ran its way through me.
As doubles pairs at pool, Richard was the active potter,
Whereas I'm more of a tactical player.
And this makes a team win.
Beause it doesn't matter who pots the black.
Cos Richard was always looking for a shot,
and with him being the best potter, I saw my role as setting him up for, say, a 7-ball clearance,
And all of a sudden we were shaking hands with our opponents.
And semi-gracefully accepting a ½ if lager
Lucky us!
They say that football talk excludes
Other people from the conversation,
So while waiting for our next game we would repair
To the saloon bar and talk about golf until someone came and said something like,
‘Not talking about golf then.. Makes a change’ and that was what
We were up next.
That’s very good, but I’d like it on Wednesdays
A toasted teacake and a pot of tea
With refill. On the house, mate.
And it’s just not on that your fish pie was
Inedible, and then eaten by only me.
I ain’t saying it wasn’t vaguely
Flavoursome, but it soon ran its way through me.
I imagine a lot of people felt like this.
Whenever someone passed our table saying
Hi, and then having a chat,
I couldn't deny a percentage of jealousy.
Rich was such engaging company that you wanted him all to yourself, without cramping his style.
Rich was part of a select group of people
Who take a few moments before formulating their response?
With structure before speaking (another example of his politeness).
Most people have sharp elbows.
And, they're not even listening to you, just waiting for their turn to speak.
But with Rich you knew that you had his full attention.
And you knew to expect a thoughtful, eloquent, well-spoken reply.
And at least one that scanned.
And it’s just not on that your fish pie was
Inedible, and then eaten by only me.
I ain’t saying it wasn’t vaguely
Flavoursome, but it very soon ran its way through me.
Rich. I would say that I’m going to fucking miss you like a different drum, you, but I’m missing you already. And I know that other people have more of a right to grieve than me.
Finally, Different Drum. One of our favourites. So it’s appropriate I’ve structured this eulogy around the rhythm of the song. I hope you like it.
I love you, man.
xxx
(Do the chaps at The Assembly Inn know? Because if they do, it would be probably the most attended?
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