Goodnight Mr. Ted (funeral poem)
It is my grandads funeral on Tuesday and I decided to write a simple end rhyme poem to read as part of his eulogy. I have tried to mix the emotional seriousness of a funeral alongside trying to keep things up eat and make people laugh. I don't regularly consume or produce poetry so would appreciate any advice I could improve with :) Thanks in advance
Now I'm hardly a poet and no good with rhymes, But will take this opportunity to speak of old times,
Because my grandad Ted was an interesting man, Having many special interests from trains to jam,
I have fond memories from when I was a child, After being palmed off by my parents as they drove away and smiled,
With our action man and toy soldiers I would end up playing, Whilst from the comfort of his armchair Ted sat there, surveying,
But my grandad was active and really was no slouch, Despite how much he enjoyed sitting on the couch,
I remember him doing many odd jobs around the house, Although looking back I'm sure it was just to appease his spouse,
Fixing, painting, cleaning, gardening, cutting the grass, Let me assure you that Ted often did more than just sit on his ... Nevermind
Even in his later years when his good health waned, I'm pleased to report that his spirit remained,
Even though we lost parts of him as his memories faded, He was a man that none of us would've ever upgraded,
He often spoke enigmatially about his day at work, being over 20 years retired, If the RAF didn't have an age limit I'm confident Ted would have been hired,
Thinking about it though, he may have struggled with the fitness test, It's entertaining to imagine him trying to climb a rope, but he would have given it his best,
My grandad's journey with Dementia was at times very sad, It was hard for us all, but especially my nan and dad,
To support him in his time of need it really took a toll, And they both gave everything whilst in their caring role,
Thanks to my brother for his support through thick and thin, I wouldn't have any other to call on as my kin,
Special thanks too are deserved by our mum, Without you who knows what would have become,
Whilst caring day-in, day-out for our grandad she became even more fond, And by the end the two shared an unbreakable bond,
Persisting through all of his ailments, hundreds of them to be frank, In our family Ted was often likened to a tank,
But what often kept us all going were the days he would laugh, As although we were his family, we were sometimes his staff,
How pleased he'd be when you'd bring him some tea, His undying love of food was clear to see,
And whilst I can share with you his affinity for a brew, I'll spare you all the stories pertaining to the loo,
Even when he'd tell you the same thing 10 times or more, We appreciated his energy and he was never a bore,
Even when it felt like the world was caving in, We could always rely on his unaware innocence to make us all grin,
Now that we're here he can finally rest, After fighting through the hardships he deserves the best,
Of the times spent with Ted, I'll remember the good and the bad, And despite all of the ups and downs, I'm glad he was my grandad.
To Tedward
Posted Nov 13, 2022, 2:54 PM UTC