Here rests Charlie —

You’d know it’s him: his name’s carved in stone.

He took icy showers, chose bulbs that saved the Earth,

Biked to work when fuel prices hit their worth.

No false pretences — honest in his view,

Fishing on weekends, life kept feeling new.

Each morning started with the nation’s pledge,

Never swam in oceans — sharks he’d dread.

Every other week, a rose for his wife,

With a card attached — small joys in life.

Avoided risks, the little things he’d miss,

Then came the crash — heart stopped, final kiss.

Friends and neighbours gathered, praying near,

Around the respirator, holding back the tear.

«See you later, off to meet the One above»,

From up there, all below looks like a dove —

Ants below, stars above, chandeliers so bright,

An angel checked the list — Charlie wasn’t in sight.