The Independent

The Independent

1His precept was that every tub should stand
2On its own bottom. Let the thing be done
3By strength and purpose, by your own hard hand.
4He asked no help and he would proffer none.
5That was the way he was. A man of pride;
6A man of strength and substance; hard and grim
7And independent till the day he died.
8He died alone. The neighbours buried him.
RPO poem Editors
Jim Johnstone
RPO Edition
2015
Special Copyright

Poem used with permission of the Charles Bruce Estate.