i think,
my favourite
picture of you,
sue, is the one,
i took, on a whim

it's of you, sitting,
in your back garden.

under the glorious
magnolia tree

it was in bloom
and a carpet of
cream blossoms
were at your feet.
a few scattered,
on the table
and extra seat.
one had fallen,
haphazardley,
in your hair.

you were sat,
in a relaxed, but
thoughtful pose.

the lines upon
your face relaxed,
your body, slack
and comfortable.

one hand holding
a cup of tea.
the other, absently
massaging, the
strawberry blonde
fur, of the big blob
of the cat you loved
so dear.

next to you a pile
of marking,
weighted down,
with a garden trowel
and a scattering of pens.

some herbs and fresh
carrots on the tabletop.

and in the corner
of the frame, lazlo
pointing to the sky.

yes, this is my favourite.

you, all dressed,
in studio black
and that lucious,
steel grey hair.
set against,
the  cream and green
backdrop of
the magnolia tree.


i hope,
you get to see,
those magnificent blooms.
one last time,
my friend.