We toasted life with “steinies” Watching Ngauruhoe smoke,. We clambered over tussock Laughing easily, “bloke to bloke”. I Knew him as a good sort Those forty years long past But realised much later That Bill’s friendships last.
To appreciate the standards That Bill would always keep, The quality of thought That his ministrations reap. The camaraderie enjoyed And the bounteous Joi de Vivre, And the lengthy conversations Over occasional cold beer.
Elements of friendship That once won are not lost Until cruel deaths intervention Is counted heavily, as cost. But the flip realisation Is now readily made clear That time shared gave value That we both held as dear.
Bill was a good friend In a firm, gentle way And I thank my good fortune For that long distant day, When he entered my door And smiling, held out his hand And I entered the realm Of a Gentleman’s Man.