Anthony: Just Simply Anthony

He came and joined us, even worked among us,

Apparently shy at first, not with any great fuss,

We noted his willingness, his preferred humility

And saw unmistakably Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Service at its best was his earnest quest

Even menial tasks were always given his best;

Befriending one and all even in difficulty

That is Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We marveled at his penchant for the culinary skill

Devoured his delightful dishes produced at will,

Wondered at his simplicity and amazing ability

We talkin’ ‘bout Anthony, just simply Anthony.

There is many an Anthony and I hear your claim

“But de fellow we talkin’ ‘bout, Hunte is his name;

With him there is no chance of mistaken identity

Cause this is ‘bout Anthony, just simply Anthony.

He could preach and pray and sing a little too

He is a good role model for our youth, that’s true,

But what stands out for me is his simplicity

Even in discussion it’s Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We watched this young man from the time he came

At Lodge Road he was serious; this was not a game,

Walking with young and old in the spirit of unity

His endeavour: ‘tis Anthony, just simply Anthony.

His voice is unmistakable and so is his gait

He is regular in attendance and seldom if ever late;

He is a man of dignity and exemplary integrity

All this is about Anthony, just simply Anthony.

His years at Lodge Road were several and blessed

Participating in many ministries and giving his best;

Displaying a workman spirit with immense vitality

This is our Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We remember his humour, his wit and his smile

A comforting word to cheer many a weary mile,

Always uplifting, assuring in his dependability

We could rely on Anthony, just simply Anthony.

“I’ll tell yuh something” is his inimitable style,

To interject a remark after listening for a while;

He does it with such aplomb and intensity

You can’t ignore he’s Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Well nothing lasts forever, not in the here and now

Wish we could find a way to keep you here somehow

But your love doth beckon you to come immediately

Hasten to her; you’re Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We bid you ‘bon voyage’ but hope to see you again

You’ve been a good brother in sunshine and in rain,

Our prayers will accompany you in all our sincerity

For you are still our Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Stewart Russell © 2011