The final poem from Tony Fitchett's book of poems, "As Well as Joy", by David Crooke.

Marcus

Backed by a glass wall of virtues
the nave floating on a sea of grief
all eyes, all hearts on the casket skiff
Marcus in our midst.

In silken colours of achievement draped
by flowers of provincial pride warmed
between the stalls
where his treble voice hovered.

Amid the grief a little silver lion
and Fitchett threads
for the old Dean and a bishop's throne.

Rest forever, questing, gentle man
warmed by the floating sound
in the heart of the church.

5th August, 1996.

Tony Fitchett writes:

If anyone should enquire about getting a copy of "As Well as Joy" I still have a few copies of the second reprint, and they are available for a minimum price of $25, but with the amount offered being left to buyers. All the proceeds go to the Rachael Gloag & Marcus Fitchett Memorial Medical Education Trust, which helps struggling medical students from low-income backgrounds. Any amount above the $25 will be receipted as a donation to the Trust (and if $5 or more is eligible for the usual tax refund from IRD). 

Anyone wanting to buy a copy and/or donate to the Trust can contact me at t_fitchett@yahoo.com and can pay to the Gloag-Fitchett Trust account 01-0902-0013337-00.