Too young to die

 Too young to die

Too young to die ‘though long expected

Beaten down by stroke and heart attacks

A miracle that he lived so long

It must have been his faith so strong. 

In the sunset days that were a bonus

When he escaped the institution

The red bricked Richmond

With more shadows than soft light. 

Where many entered but few escaped

To the tell the tale of best laid plans

That often failed in hospitals

Where God forgot what doctors knew. 

He returned to life a different man

In many ways but still the same faith

In his God and Church

That saw him through. 

He deftly spread the low fat butter

To the very edges of his crisp bread 

His only luxury in a Spartan life 

The daily tale for man and wife. 

His last cheque made out to charity

His last purchase some chocolate

For my sister and then expired

On the floor of the little store. 

He lies in peace at last in a grave

With flowers chosen by his widow

Tended on cold days in January,

Forget-me-nots, always remembered. 

RIP Kevin Andrew Murray 

November 1920 - January 1980