The Empty Chair

From our Association:-
Mark me absent Mr Chairman, I am afraid I cannot be there,
Explain to all those present about the empty chair.
Talk to them about good memories to share,
Tell them all of the good days that seems only fair

Look to the folks from the rank and file that saw
The meaning of friendship and true Espirit-de-Corps
Mark me absent Mr Chairman, I just cannot make it today,
But drink to me at the bar folks and to the times of another day.

Hold your pen Mr Secretary, let us set the minutes straight.
Mark that Member present, though delayed and sadly late.
Look to the empty chair folks and know the reason why,
We formed an Association that those should never die.

Now let this be your toast:
“Those happier memories are the ones we may treasure most.
Through times we served together and the distance did not matter,
The member we now honour was truly a “Top Hatter”.

Names may be carved on stone in a different faraway field,
They stand to show a spirit that did not ever yield
Should we mark him absent? Do so if we dare
Before you pen that entry, look well to the empty chair

Rest in Peace Peter
Gone maybe, but never to be forgotten