I'd spent many happy hours at Jacks' house those long years ago,

It was more like home to me,back then, than any other place I know.

----------------------------

We talked of many things that night all gathered in that room,

"Do you remember "? was the question often asked;

"of what or where or whom."?

What ever did become of: Mickey, Rick or Jim;

Can anybody tell me ,"what became of them"?

I learnt that some had married ,had children of thier own,

and some of them,,just as I did, had simply left the town.

We talked a lot about the times that had long since gone,

of the times we had together,the laughter and the fun.

of bad times and of good times when we were young and free,

We were happy that we shared them, on that we all agreed.

--------------------------------------

I'd spent many happy hours at Jacks' house those long years ago,

It was more like home to me,back then, than any other place I know.

------------------------------------------

The rest of the night passed quickly,then I went on my way;

I vowed that I would visit soon! on another day.

The days fled by so swiftly,then months then years were past;

I really hadn't noticed time flying by so fast.

I was so busy working,the children growing too,

with lots of overtime to work,I had so much to do.

Then one day I got a call to say that Jack had been,

taken to the hospital.There's something wrong with him.

I went down to the hospital, and I asked a nurse,

"Please tell where's my old friend,Jack,is he any worse"?

"Dear Jack" she said, he is our star, he's fine,as you will see,

You'll find on the second floor,Ward C2, helping serve the tea.

--------------------------------

I'd spent many happy hours at Jacks' house those long years ago,

It was more like home to me,back then, than any other place I know.

-----------------------------------

Sure enough it was just had the nurse had said ,

"He'll be back soon" called a voice,from another bed.

When Jack came in and saw me there, he said "Hello old Son",

"I'm so happy now I've seen you, so glad that you have come".

"So!", I said,"What's wrong with you?it gave me quite a fright,

to hear you were in hospital". He said "Oh I'm alright",

"no really, I am fine".he said "Im sure,soon it soon will pass".

"Now tell me what you've been up to,since I saw you last "

We chatted for a long time and shared a cup of tea

happily together, till nearly half past three.

The last thing I remember from that sunny day

were, these last words he said to me,as I went upon my way.

"You know old son,to me your very dear".

"I've known you all your life and it is very clear,

We,ve become good friends,and as it's clearly shown,

Your as close as my own family,your like one of my own".

-------------------------------------------

I'd spent many happy hours at Jacks' house those long years ago,

It was more like home to me,back then, than any other place I know.

---------------------------------------------

Though some memories will fade, I know I wont forget

Those final words he spoke to me. We stood there on the step;

we said goodbye that day,standing by the door,

"Don't worry mate I'll soon be home!",he sounded very sure.

I walked away,down the steps,then onto the last stair

I turned to wave goodbye again,but he wasn't there.

(Perhaps that was an omen)!

Jack did go home again, that I am glad to say,

But that was the last time I saw him,before he passed away.

He died a few weeks later, it was at Easter time that year,

and it took a long while afterwards to wipe away my tears.

On that bitter cold St.George's Day,as we laid him to his rest,

I could feel my heart was breaking deep inside my chest;

We said our final goodbye! was that it,the end! (perhaps not)

His family had lost thier dad, I'd lost my dearest friend.

-------------------------------------------

I'd spent many happy hours at Jacks' house those long years ago,

It was more like home to me,back then, than any other place I know.

---------------------------------------------

George.W.Packman(2006)