ABHOR I recently read the poem you wrote for me - oh how I cried! So now I'm returning the favour, I wish I had done this before you died So I'm going to start off by remembering all the things we did together: Going to the park, seeing the ducks and walking the dogs twice a day, no matter what the weather. When I used to visit you, you used to like it when you got brought flowers. Then when I would ask you how you were feeling? Well that conversation could last for hours Whenever I'm at your house, I'll miss the morning boiled eggs at the ready. But the thing I think I'll miss the most is hearing you constantly shout “Freddie” You loved your food, you were like a human bin. I don't know how you could eat so much, as you were allergic to just about everything! When you were watching your ‘whodunnits’ or documentaries-no one could make a sound. And you would love to moan and grumble if anything got too loud. You were very blunt and spoke your mind without so much of a care. You were always telling me my skirt was too short and you could see my underwear You were always an embarrassing grandma-especially when you FALSELY told everyone that I wore a padded bra. But you were always kind and giving, I was never left wanting more And you picked up positive things about me-that I had never been told before. I could always come to you for help with English or History. Impressively you knew off by heart-600 years of the royal family tree. You were never racist or homophobic, like most people of your age and the word ‘immigration’ didn't send you in a rage. There are are some things I would really like to know: like how you taught in school? But one of the most important things we'd all like to know is: what were you going to do with all that cotton wool? You had lots of pearls of wisdom and I'll share a great one with all of you: You said the cure for constipation, was a mug of hot water- while you sat on the loo You told me you had a racy past-you posed in the nude - which I thought was funny And the amount of times you married- Well you'd give Liz Taylor a run for her money. When I visited you in the hospice, I promised myself I wouldn't cry. But I fell apart when you went to sleep and you didn't hear me say goodbye. I know what you would say if you were listening now, as you told me time after time ‘poetry just sounds silly when you try to make it rhyme’ How do you write for a published poet? I want to give you what is due. I know it's not the greatest tribute but Nana Pearl- this one's for you ( poem I read at funeral on 30/01/16 )

Pearl was an amazing lady whose written words held much truth and clarity. She could raise a smile with ease and has an amazing spirit which prevailed over whatever life threw at her. Now her spirit soars with the angels who are blessed by her presence. RIP Pearl, may your words live ever on and you'll never be forgotten. Gary

Pearl was a lovely lady who brought an enormous amount of laughter, fun and candid and refreshing thoughts to the group - Ruby Jam Poets. Her writing was full of imagination and beautiful images. Our monthly sessions will not be the same without her spirit and truthful storytelling. Thinking of you always Pearl. Ruby Jam Poets