We sadly report the death of Gerard Rochford, who was SR's Makar for several years. We republish one of his fine poems in this week's edition:
Diary of a God
For J S Bach
The winter is mild.
Fewer deaths mean fewer funerals
and my income fades.
Spring however promises commissions;
Easter, Ascension Thursday, Whitsun weddings.
The dry summer raised the price of potatoes
and another baby coming.
Monday rule the paper, draft the score.
Tuesday write the cantata. Wednesday
copy the parts for orchestra and chorus,
half of whom can’t read. Thursday copying.
Friday – copying. Saturday one rehearsal.
Sunday service goes well. Anna says: Tomorrow
the baby will come. She knows. Later she sings to me.
Monday rule the sheets and walk to market,
haggle for potatoes. Home to a host of midwives.
Our children surround the crib and we are happy.
Tuesday, Anna cooks dinner.
Angels praise God in my head.
Gerard Rochford (17 December 1932 - 18 December 2019)
