He's gone now, slipped the bounds of earth,
Resting on the arms of nature
As it decides where to place him next.
Energy reassigned.

He left us his caring and compassion for those
Who failed to make the economic grade.
His legacy, a passion for the language,
For the words to fit precisely the event.

He loved all men and his life was his church.
We knew him briefly as we know shadows
A man who wanted to be of use till age
And use determined that it would end.

He is us and we him, waiting quietly
On the edge of time as the wheel turns
At its consistent pace. He has gone before,
A quiet man of grace who walked this earth.

We celebrate a life well lived with care.
A lover of explanations and the truth.
No mansion, no castle, no fancy clothes
But Winter's truth he gave to all.