THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

RESQUIESCAT

This poem was written as a tribute to a great dedicated Headteacher, Mr. F.H. Russell, under whom I worked and who made me like teaching. He gave me free rein in my methods and accepted any suggestions I made e.g. putting more stress in arts and crafts, school gardening and physical training. He even gave me time to teach Hindi within the curriculum. My effort in these endeavours was approved by school inspector, Mr. Owen whose umbrella I repaired. Mr. F.H. Russell and I became good friends. When he was transferred, I worded and designed his illuminated address with the permission of the school manager Rev. Rupert Taylor.

He is no more , this man of many parts,
Death claimed him as he will us lesser mortals too;
But in some fair sky beyond this misty vale,
A soul will rise , resplendent and unique.

He was a man in whom there was no guile,
God gave him life, he gave his life to man;
What talents he possessed, he used them much,
Salt was he of this earth, a light upon the hill.

Many he taught, his interests knew no bounds,
Broad in his vision, he treated all alike;
His music touched the soul whene’er he played
In church, upon the organ that he loved so well.

He was an artist though he painted not,
Life was his canvas and mankind his theme.
He gave to life all that he had to give;
He loved too well and so was loved by all.

Now he is gone, no more for us his work,
Death’s icy fingers shut the heavy tome;
But in some brighter realm where waits his Lord.
A soul will rise effulgent, and at peace.

– Randall Butisingh