For Walter Ede

of the Putney Literary and Debating Society

So tread the old paths of heaven
in the second-hand suit and shoes
you deemed fit in this haven
when with us

you pointed a path to Christ
strung with flowers, a crossing
by most of us uncrossed.
Reminiscing

in Lady North Hall you strayed from our debates,
bobbed near the horizon
with talk of childhood, young man’s means – snippets
of wisdom –

illuminating a line of the Lord’s Prayer –
in some confusion
standing – sitting – and always the clear
impression

of being saved. So now Walter Ede
do you continue the speech that you began
with us?
Stern and alert in heavenly mead,
a gentleman.