Happy 60th Birthday lovely Shirley, we'll raise a glass on your behalf xx

Added by Margaret Duke - 08/11/2018

Our Petal Dear Petal, I wanted to say some words on this day, But worried that tears would get in the way, So I wrote you a poem to say where we're at, In the hope that a rhyme will keep me on track So many things remind me of you “My Favourite Things†but Yorkshire and including a shoe! Also including a series of hats, Often jazzy, or jolly or floppy or just bats In our porch is the table that came from your shed, On our wall is your plate, white, blue and red, I open a cupboard and there is a load Of your peppermint tea (for while you're out on the road) We've still got a stash of soya choc pots you know, How on earth did that stash continue to grow?! When you knew what we liked (Booja, booja let's say) You made sure to bring some on your visit that day I can't mention food without hummus and corn chips, Thai salmon soup, oat milk or Guinness Treats for the girls (medicinal of course), Never mind the pooches, that could feed a horse! Pickled walnuts now also remind me of you, We found out you loved them, right out of the blue! You always surprised me, made me re-assess You never stayed still, on the move, restless Then there was that laugh, what can I say But contagious and funny, silly and gay! Strong and determined, generous and kind, My friend, and a mentor I was so lucky to find Dear Petal you cared so much about others, People, creatures, plants and the flowers, Not only that, they felt the same way too, Our own Dr Doolittle; you through and through I can hear your voice, as you softly say (Talking with Gill about food and her day), “Was that very nice Gill Gill†you ask her,â€...want some moreâ€? And she licks her lips, her nose and your paw The squirrels and birds, foxes and cats, All came to you for comfort and chats, The dogs loved you too and not just for food! They knew your spirit was gentle and good It's certainly true you adored them all, And you certainly had room in your heart for one more, No discrimination between young, old or new, You loved them all equally and we so loved you You fought everything you saw as unfair, Or meant the voiceless couldn't get a fair share, You battled and challenged, regardless of fashion, For a world with respect, love and compassion Petal, we'll bang your drum and blow on the flute, We'll battle and challenge, and follow your route, We'll eat chocolate soya pots and drink peppermint tea, And wherever there's kindness we'll think of thee Love, hugs and gentle belly rubs, Your Gargrave Girls

Added by Margaret Duke - 24/08/2018