With a voice oak rich in timbre

Deep like the rumble of the seas

And tired by the weight of the years

He told me of his life

How he came from the hot lands

Inky in places with mahogany trees

Where the sky at night

Became so dark

The whole was illuminated by

The moon and stars

He told me of a simple life

Where hard work

And nature's bounty

Were all that was needed

To get by

Recipes handed down

Were used as remedies

To cure aches, pains

And life's maladies

Where family was all

And neighbours would call for aid

knowing kindness could be repaid

As and when

He spoke as if time itself was on his side

And when his eyes closed at last

It was time itself

I wanted to defy