Mary Hopkins (1920-2004)

Nostalgic day of autumn cool
Driving now past early school
Of Asquith, to that Church of Stones,
St Patricks, grey with russet tones.

Mary Stephens it is we send
Aunt & wife, from family wend
That spirit on all strong, yet cheerful
From us now, so sad & tearful.

Rex in wheelchair, sad was sat,
Larry first to tip his hat,
On cobbled forecourt, getting busy,
Said, hello there, Ant & Lizzie,

More were scattered here about,
Cousins these & aunts devout.
Now is time to head on in,
Church awaits, the coffin within.

Polished lid holds tribute flowers,
Gifts they are to higher powers.
For us all here in mortal plane,
Her photo calm, in glassy pane.

Silver plaque there fixed on top,
Attests the date her life did stop.
A simple plate with date & name
No list of works or family fame.

That photo placed atop the casket,
Breaks on through and I'm a basket-
case, at last. A tear, a sob,
emotions churn, my heart a blob.

Play some music, all are seated
Comes the priest, who's robes are pleated,
Say some words, now holy water,
Christened first a sacred daughter.

Chris & Pat a psalm will read,
Words of old, a sorrow creed,
Some formal comfort there for all
Those lads are family, standing tall.

A eulogy now, they're hard to say.
The grief comes up, it's in the way.
Throat all closed when need it most
Just keep going, past the post.

Adam stood and talked of 'Mare'
Told us all, how she would care,
With pea & ham that kept them healthy,
And lollie jar to match the wealthy.

Sets the tears off like a rocket.
Searching round in every pocket,
A hanky now to dab the eyes,
Tears I see, from all the guys.

Now is time to close this part.
More tears now, than at the start
So over coffin, burning incense,
Sadness now with smoke intense.

The lads all leap to grab a handle,
Whip away the burning candle.
Three a side, with little heaves,
Mary goes through autumn leaves.