Simply You Lived

for Yiannis Hyannis

Simply you lived. And the artist shone through
with colour’s arrogance to quell the storms
of chaos, in a new world of proud forms.
My friend, if I need light, I’ll think of you.

Strongly you lived. Who has been less untrue
to the old trial of Time? Chance forces played
the bitterest turns – and you were undismayed.
My friend, if I need heart, I’ll think of you.

Quietly you lived. With a certain joy you knew
the fairground show, the spectacular of the Earth . . .
yourself a part of it for all it was worth.
My friend, if I need hope, I’ll think of you.