RAY

When I heard it said
That Ray had passed away
In my heart and in my head
Were things I had to say

Ray lived on our farm
And loved it very much
Was and asset to our team
He had a special touch

At 4am he would wake
Every single day
By the fire, in the dark
Sitting there, was Ray

Radio mumbling
In the early morn
Sipping tea and smoking
Til the break of dawn

Could turn his hand to anything
His work was neat and tidy
Loved to go mustering
At fencing he was mighty

When the day came to an end
And when his work was done
He’d sit alone or with his friends
And watch the setting sun

Ray liked XXXX a lot
His fridge was filled with beer
To hear him say "Beer-O-Clock"
Still rings in my ear

Tourists come to see the joys
Of life out on the land
Dream of meeting cowboys
Called Ray "The Marlborough Man!"

They’d laugh with him and chat
He sometimes liked to joke
Under that akubra hat
They found a decent bloke

At times we came head to head
We’d fight like family
When first we worked together he said
"Girl, don’t you mess with me!"

I challenged him to a race
He bet a hundred bucks
We never did have that race
To win I needed luck

Next time, I’ll be seeing Ray
I’ll be on the other side
Will we still have that race?
Or will he let it slide?

I hope to see him on a horse
At the pearly gate
Sleeves rolled up, of course
Saying, "Are you ready mate?"

I hope horses are in heaven?
And God!
I hope you let him smoke!
And I hope the fish are biting!
For this quiet and honest bloke

Goodbye to Ray, we say today
And wish you all the best.
Thanks for everything old mate
I hope in peace you rest.

Raymond Edward Ninness
2.3.1951 – 21.3.2005

Written by Lyn Eather March 2005