Saturday, July 11, 2020
I Remember John Brimner
I did not know John Brimner that well
Our chance encounters were slim
I guess we only met four or five times
But I certainly heard lots about him
I met John Brimner in the fall of Twenty Twelve,
A tall drink of water filled to the brim
I recollect something about a rebooted romance
Sister Pat seemed quite taken with him
I never saw John Brimner get mad
The patience of Joab and not at all grim
Chockfull of anecdotes, all of ‘em true
Told resplendently as a Baptist hymn
John Brimner connected with young minds
Matching their energy with vigor and vim
He delighted in mentoring this next generation
And they, in turn, looked up to him
John Brimner had a story about me I regret
At Julie and Andrew’s wedding, I think
Thirsty from dancing and desperate to hydrate
He examined our table and commandeered my drink
He believed it’s clear contents to be life-giving water
And would refresh him of course
Alas its contents was straight Vodka
John Brimner had explosive remorse
Like the good camper he was
And applying the campground maxim
He left this world better than he found it
His gift, to those who loved him
No, I did not know John Brimner that well
But I liked him
And I trusted and admired him
And I won’t soon forget him
We’ll see you soon enough John Brimner,
the bell tolls for us all.
