Contributor: Chris Cox

Bio Note: Chris Cox is a Porter at Jesus College, Oxford University.

Author: Derek May

Works: ‘My Northern Light ’ and ‘The Purple Heather ’

These two poems were read at my dear neighbours’ funerals. Jim and Sheila were friends that I could speak to on an almost daily basis. They treated my children, Sam and Elizabeth, like family. Family values and neighbourly love should not be lost.

Although these two poems did not change my life, they show the heartfelt feelings, deepest love and aching pain of a son who had lost his parents. Watching Derek read these poems just reminded me how love and pain will always come from the heart.

Feelings are hard for some of us to show.
No tears doth flow
Our heartache does grow.

James May

A Celebration of His Life

5th April 1924-21st November 2001

My Northern Light

The time has come to say farewell
But I cannot say goodbye.
I lift my head to say the words
And my heart begins to cry.

You were my childhood hero
And then my manhood friend.
I cannot face the sorrow
If that should have to end.

But I know I’ll find you
In many different places,
My reflection in the mirror,
Or in my children’s faces.

The places we have been to,
The things that we have done
That keep a bond of love
Between a father and his son.

I am not the greatest scholar
But this I know is right.
The Northern lights of Aberdeen
Have a bright new star tonight.

Derek May

In Loving Memory of Sheila May

Friday 4th March 2005 at 9 45am

Oxford Crematorium

The Purple Heather

How do I start to say goodbye?
How can I stand the sorrow?
What will I do without you
And how can I face tomorrow?

I can’t explain the pain I feel
Or how my body’s aching,
But I fear someone will hear
The sound of my heart breaking

You were my impish! Childhood friend,
My partner in teenage pranks,
Then my children’s naughty friend
And for that, you have my thanks.

You were the centre of my party,
The music for my song
The whiskey in my bottle,
The one who made me strong.

You lost the only man you loved
And your light began to dim,
But it must glow, so bright,
Now you’re back with him.

So if I look to the Northern Lights,
No matter what the weather,
I’ll see you dance with dainty steps
Upon the Purple Heather.

Derek May