Praise for our departed Joan

Gone is the Lady with the Lovely Smile:

Gentle Joan who tarried with us a while,

Partaking of our Poetry in Paradise , not as a guest,

But an essential part of it; so many things said in jest:

Joan would laughingly chide us for a rhyme,

That seemed to her not right in time.

I think that where you've gone, dear Joan,

Other poets are waiting and you won't be alone.

You'll probably organize another Poetry in Paradise Meeting,

Don't forget to be the MC and do the welcoming greeting.

We miss your happy smile

And won't forget you in a long, long, while -

Probably not until we've joined that long or short mile

To another Poetry Meeting in Paradise.

R.I.P

MANYA