For Eric Shorrocks [1926 - 2014] - 'he Has Been A Joy' Poem by Keith Shorrocks Johnson

In love with the farms and fells
Out in all weathers with his dog,
Snap tin of butties and cake,
And a thermos flask of tea
He rebuilt one and a half miles
Of dry stone walls in the Lakes
Blending faces, ties and chocks
Hearting, binding and bonding.

If I, in love with the farms and fields
Had done as much for the hedgerows
Of my native county Cheshire,
Badging cops, staking and laying hawthorn
With my dog, some baggin and a brew,
Then I could have been so well content
But only words are left for stones or pleachers
To heart and bind and bond and pen.