Jean

Eccentric quirkiness

Delights and amuses.

Constant chatter

With kooky tangents,

Like growing tree branches

Or a busy map;

Lines lead

And cross over.

A long and interesting life

Makes for many stories.

Tales of dear friendships

And a Sheffield childhood.

Tales of art and creativity

And the Cathedral.

Sometimes, she’s naughty

And eats crisps

And chocolate,

But we laugh

Because we’re just the same.

Similar in so many ways:

Excitable conversation

And moments of inspiration.

She doodles on envelopes,

The pen comes alive

With her lively drawings;

Skilled illustrations.

But she talks of going,

Of fading now.

And tears sting my eyes.

I can’t imagine that.

I have never met anyone like her.

Eighty-four and full of vitality.

And a wonderful mischief

Dances in her eyes.

I like to watch her smile

And love to hear her laugh.

She’s unique.

You won’t find another Jean,

Even if you searched the world,

Until the end of time.

Caring for feline friends,

She has a beautiful soul.

And she is loved,

And that is why I can’t –

And won’t-

Imagine a world without her.

I don’t think she knows

That she plays such a big part

In mine.