Our tense breasts of sorrow

Weep for him they hardly yet had loved

Through the briefest span of tenuous life

Given for that inapparent reason.

Almost unloved, yet how intensely

By one who had no need to think him gain

Given to love, yet the briefest chance

To empty our inmost hearts.

Laid to rest with the tenderest arms

A long day can find to hold him.

Rest from our confusion as he sleeps

With birds and flowers he surely would have loved.

Alan John du Plessis 
21 - 25 April 1971

25 April 1971


For photos of a bouquet sent on 21st April 2010 by 'one who had no need to think him gain': click here:
Remembering Alan John