Aspen House                     Part One: General Reflections - 2                      by Patrick Noakes

Mr Brunswick, Sir, of Aspen House

You were a bit like God to me when I was small,
the kind colossus of our cold assembly hall.
Your voice when singing hymns boomed resonant and sure,
a mighty voice, your voice, whose essence we'd procure –
if our flags were truth and learning, and our intent
survived the crucible to be with wisdom blent.

Crossed-legged upon the floor before you, we'd be taught
your anthem: Perseverance. Never once the thought,
held back, of ailing children safe upon the shore,
from ravage all delivered and made well once more.
Greysuited, miid-eyed and tall, kind stanchion of your school,
Perseverance, Mr Brunswick, Sir, that's the rule.