This was postd by Paul Brooks today...resonated with me...about you. IN REMEMBRANCE: The Biker The old biker rode up to the gateway, not sure of the welcome he’d get. His leathers were battered but comfy, and bugger all use in the wet. ‘Ere chap, is it ok to park here?' he called to the guy with the beard ‘Not there’ replied Beardie ‘They’re waiting’ which the biker thought a little bit weird. ‘Bring your bike in and park it inside pal' said Beardie whilst opening the gate. ‘Take your time now, there’s no need to rush it. No one minds if you’re a little bit late.’ ‘To be honest, I’m not normally greeted’ said the biker a little non-plussed. ‘Us bikers are sometimes looked down on by some folk who really aren’t fussed’ ‘You won’t find many of them around here mate’ said Beardie with a hint of a smile. ‘Those we don’t refuse entry right sharpish are only up here on a trial. You see we don’t judge by appearances, or the number of tattoos we can see. There are far better measures of character as I’m sure you’ll be quick to agree’ ‘The Boss has a soft spot for bikers, as not many down there realise. And any that speak ill of bikers, well He gives ‘em a few words of advice. Some folk look at your outside and shudder at just how fearsome you look. With those studs, and leather, and metal, some might be tempted to call you a crook.’ ‘But here we consider what’s inside, and how many good deeds you’ve done. And bikers, well generally speaking, they’ve accomplished far more than have some. I’m not talking of chapel on Sunday, ‘cos I know you’d prefer to ride out. Or how many toffs you are friends with, ‘cos up ‘ere that carries no clout.’ ‘Your language hasn’t always been cultured, though you often haven’t meant to offend And the only time you’ve been seen on your knees was when you went into a bend. But how many times have you gone out of your way to help a brother or sister in need? Or given your time, or what’s in your pocket, regardless of race, colour or creed?’ ‘Those days when you’ve visited a sick child and managed to put a smile on their face, Or acted as escort for one of your boys as he’s laid in his last resting place. These acts that no-one else notices, we keep a close eye on up here. And whenever a biker rides to them, we always have somebody near.’ ‘So underneath all of those oil stains, which don’t look the best, truth be told. The rough, tough exterior does it’s best to disguise, a soft heart, more precious than gold.’ ‘St Peter’s the name, how’d you do mate’ and he offered his hand, strong and steady. ‘Park your bike over there, next the others, then come in ‘cos we’ve got a brew ready.’ © Nigel Ward 2016