To Be Frank

to be Frank
you must
make half a stout
last half the night
teach your nephew
how and where to fly a kite

roll up your sleeves
when there’s work to be done
and show the family
how we all
used to have fun

nearly always wear
a suit and tie
and hose down the lawn
before it gets too dry

you must
visit the Cenotaph
each
and every year
and go for thermossed, windswept
strolls with Joan
along the paint shy
once bold, wooden pier

to be Farnk
you must
look after your close ones
with scarce regard for yourself
and never complain
if you’ve wintery health

and when young Jack says
“Uncle Frank, did you really used to drive a tank?”
don’t let your heart sink
just give him a wink
for that’s all you need………

to be perfectly Frank!