I posted this poem some time ago. World events impel me to re-post as the New Year approaches, in the hope that changes occur for the common good & the future of Humankind:

"The People came from near & far to meet within their Place.
With noiseless feet & heads hung low, pain etched on every face.
"What ails thee, Friends?", The Wise Ones said, "We feel thy great distress".
What can be done, what needs be done to ease your wretchedness?"

Up spake a woman, young in heart, astute, clear-sighted she.
"Make us a Grail from which to drink to ease our malady.
Make us a Grail filled with our tears that we have shed full score.
Make us a Grail so fine & pure for we mayn't weep no more".

Perplexed, The Wise Ones pondered long this deeply felt request,
Concluding that a Grail so fine lay outside their behest.
"To form a Grail to hold your tears, we've neither ken nor skill.
A simple balm we can beget & thus your plea fulfil".

And so the healing balm was made & each received their share.
Returning home, they held it close, so mindful of it's care.
The World a better place became, but that was years ago,
Young Woman, 'tis your time again, The Wise Ones need to know".

I send Seasons' Greetings to each & every one of you. Without your love & friendship; your support during the dark, dark days as Jane slipped slowly from us, Ann & I would be 'in a very different place'.
                                           A toast: "To absent Friends"

                                           With Love,
                                                          Nigel & Ann.
                                                          xxxxxxxxxx