Thomas Harvey, 1906 – 1984

My father -given the nickname Togger during his time in the Auxiliary Fire Service during WW2, a name that stuck with him for the rest of his life – was born in 1906 and died on June 17th, 1984.

SETTING SAIL
Wind troubles the water,
tangles and untangles the reeds;

a lone swan slides past, unperturbed.

I came here with my father 

to sail the yacht he’d crafted
lovingly all summer;

a gift on my winter birthday.

The wind carried it proudly 

to the centre and left it there, 

marooned.

I used to see him, my father,

each time I looked in the mirror –

loving, reproachful, regret in his eyes.

Now all I see is my own face

staring back at me;

uncertain, anxious -

waiting for the right wind.

Poem fron On Balance, Shoestring Press, 2083