Surfaces of steep alpine
or absolutely level baize-on-slate
make absolutely zero odds to Fate.

(April 15th)
Sir Clement Freud

Never knowingly overjoyed,
often spoke for Just A Minute
till Merson put his spanner in it.

(May 31st)
Daniel Patrick Carroll

“La Rue” in his apparel.
Eponymous Dolly, the rôle’s first man!
Hello Dolly. Goodbye Dan.

(June 25th)
Michael Jackson

He had a waxen
model in the wax museum
and now, alas, a mausoleum.

(July 25th)
Farewell, Harry Patch

The last of that Great batch;
joins the millions slain for naught
in wars he said should not be fought.

(July 31st)
Robson, Sir Bobby

worked hard for our hobby.
No hand of demigod prevents
his accolade, World Champ of Gents!

(October 18th)
Sir Ludovic Kennedy

Here’s a brief threnody
for his Panoramic breath
which could not abolish death.

(October 28th)
Cricket umpire, David Shepherd

Though many a scorebook is peppered
with dotballs, fours and partnerships,
no more those little Nelson skips.