A life well-lived

His photos, some faded
Some sepia toned
Of weddings, holidays
And those he has known,
Smile down on a camera, now idle,
Exposures unused,
No more testing the light
On countryside views.

The faithful radio on the shelf
Brought daily news and more,
Of men in space, wars abroad
And weekend sporting scores.
Now stands and waits, station fixed
No favourite music plays,
It's power-light fades 'neath gentle dust
There's no more news today.

His pipe rests on the mantlepiece,
His cap hangs by the door,
Pens and paint wait by the board
As if expecting more.
New-grown weeds invade the lawn
The roses, overgrown,
A barking dog, a ringing phone
Unanswered .. no one's home.