Half My Life I Knew Him (For Leo John Cochrane) Poem by Danny Draper

Half my life I knew him, and
Some' from each did learn,
An endless love of family
Life's only true concern.
Our common love his eldest
The day he gave her hand
I knew more than just her father
I would get to know this man.
Provider against the odds
A home from toil secure.
Improvements and projects
Always on the boil
A beer and a joke, and
Dreams that were spoke',
Jobs undertook and working beside
That tireless old bloke
Helping him and him me
Exhausted to a standstill
Admiration growing mutually.
Not a lazy bone did he possess
Determined and resolute
But knew when to relent.
Grandchildren mellowed him
And those children me.
So much love to go ‘round, and
Always given selflessly.
So much a part of all our lives
Celebrating and supporting
My girls as they grew.
Counsel and confidant
Opinions thrust and sought.
As we aged friendship grew
As I passed life's scenery
Where he'd long before passed through.
He came to relax and respect
My love and care for his eldest daughter,
And I came to know and love the man
That I will not call mate again.

4/10/2004.


Born 23/3/1935
Deceased Saturday 2/10/2004