Shirley L, the good neighbour

Lived two doors west
Of my parents. Regent Street.
Near Gibbons Park.
Widowed long.
Always a sweet word to us.
Sign in the window
For Neighbourhood Watch.
Husband Chester gone.


Remembering one summer’s day.
Dad and I re-shingling
Garage roof.
Dirty old saggy jeans
And shirts.
Bum cracks showing
Sheesh!
Shirl never said a word
To embarrass.
Just kept talking.
Dad and I took note
Later, laughing unto tears.


On a visit in later years
She invited me
Inside, lovely flowers
Photos of Ches.
And Church photo
Showing Rector
Doug Leighton, with Shirley et. al.
Surprise there,
Doug sang with me in
Anglican Church Choir.


Nice level headed guy
Clear baritone voice.
Sat beside me.
Married Elizabeth.
In the choir as well.
Shirley had only good stuff to say
About Doug
His messages.
Got her out of the house.
Weekly.


Shirley Lyons, departed by now.
Singing up Yonder.
Re-united with Ches.
Slim, silver haired, arms folded.
And other saints attending.