Pat’s Last Hike

Pat’s going on one final journey
No map or compass will he need;
His walking boots at home (still muddy);
He’ll want no car or train or steed.

His rucksack will contain no Billy,
He’ll need not carry tent or lamp.
His sleeping bag He’ll leave behind him;
He’s going to a different camp.

But he will carry golden memories:
A mothers kiss, a father’s smile;
Gently cradling Emily and David,
And walking Emma up the aisle.

Music nights with Brooks and Morgan;
Sweet singing giving him great cheer.
Friends and family in Ireland
And those in England - all so dear.

Good food, fine wine, with pals to share it.
A nice malt whiskey, ah that’s grand!
A Barbie in the summer sunshine,
Tongs, and G &T, in hand.

Games of golf, some good some not so;
Football on a Tuesday night.
Weekends with the lads in Swanage
On the town til morning light.

Enfield Grammar Soiree evenings
Proud to see his children play.
Summer Balls, all evening suited
Dancing any cares away.

The South of France and Eurocamping
Caravanning in Cwmdu
So many places to remember,
Where he was happiest to be.


Scout Execs, not very thrilling,
Helping at the Summer Fayre
Showing friends the best of Dublin
Smoking fish with Morgan Pere.

His life in scouting so rewarding,
The camps, the games the people too.
His dedication and commitment
Enriched the lives of those he knew.

The jokes and sayings so familiar
Rolled out so many times before,
And all would groan with pained expression;
Wish I could hear them just once more.

A multitude of recollections,
Countless, rest upon his back.
Though much too short, He lived a full life
And happiness has filled his pack.

Yet it is lighter than a feather;
It’s brimming full of love you see.
It will not slow him whatsoever,
But speed him where he has to be.

And he has been so sorely tested
Dealt with illness pain and fear
He bore them all with such great courage
Determination, and good cheer.

It was so hard to see him changing
So thin that clothes no longer fit
But through it all he fought the harder
Refusing to lie down and quit.

And Emma was beside him always
Giving comfort, love, and care
strong and tough when it was needed
Never bowing to despair.

Although it seems he’ll miss our futures
I’m sure he won’t, I have no doubt;
For love will bind him ever to us
And he’ll be at our sides throughout;

Through every joy and every sorrow;
Through all our pleasures and our pain;
Yes he will share each moment with us
Until we one day meet again.

There is a light that leads him onward,
Providing hope when all seems lost;
He moves towards it knowing surely
He gave, and did not count the cost.

Let’s bid farewell as he goes forward,
And shed our tears as he departs.
He needs no monument or statue,
Just keep him ever in our hearts.

John Smith