Sallyontour's recent posting about her dear friend Steve brought back fond memories of a very dear friend of mine. This poem was written before *Mike died and only after his death did his many friends discover that he had kept secret the fact that he had a serious heart condition. In hindsight perhaps that's why he was "a very private man"?
The Great Wall of Mike
An invisible defence encircles him
Repelling all marauding invaders
He’s happy being an independent state
Or so he tries hard to persuade us!
Sometimes he allows the occasional tourist
A little glimpse of the treasure store
Before banishing them to the borders
To simply look on, that’s all, no more
There are a few, of which I’m one
Who’s allowed ‘freedom of the city’
I can come and go unchallenged
Still only a visitor – more’s the pity
He’s content to be a tourist attraction
Residency permits are not allowed
People come from near and far
He quite enjoys the busy crowd
Perhaps one day he’ll unlock the gates
And throw away the key
Perhaps one special tourist
Will be given permanency?
©Marian Barker
