Dear Fred
It's hard to believe we lost you five years ago today. What a wonderful coincidence it is that your clock is coming back to me today, all repaired and working - every chime will remind me of the time I shared with you and Mum.
You introduced me to so many poems - this one in particular seems all about you today:
'Abou Ben Adhem
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold: -
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
'What writest thou?' The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, 'The names of those who love the Lord.'
'And is mine one?' said Abou. 'Nay not so,'
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, 'I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men.'
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adem's name led all the rest.'
Leigh Hunt
Always in my thoughts. I didn't realise it had got so late, Fred.
With lots of love
Stephanie xxx
Stephanie X
21/08/2024
