His Sporting Life

Ey-oop, me duck!'

He'd always greet me with

That local phrase we knew so well.

He'd been a jockey in his youth.

Before the 'Great War' took its toll.

But remained a racegoer to the end -

At ease in paddock and on turf.

A big-hearted small man, like Arthur Askey.

He too wore thick specs -

His perched on an aquiline nose,

Their bar cut into its bridge, as he chose

Favourites from the 'Sporting Life'.

He was never lucky, yet worked so hard.

Three things he told me I recall:

'Whichever job you decide to do - that's all right.

I am so very proud of you.'

'But never, never go into business with either relatives or friends!'

'Remember this, then,

"Love many, trust few -

And always paddle your own canoe."'