Richard Flournoy Cartledge

A complex man

Shed light on your life

I’ll see if I can

Your demise I will start with and tell if I may

You left in a hasty, ironic way

Never a big fan of Elvis were you

But you went just like he did

With a book, in the loo

Never a man to be ever outdone

Your humor irreverent

You were so damn much fun

Your speeches exquisite

And appeared off the cuff

Your voice it was golden

But that wasn’t enough

Your knowledge was vast

You had smart, common sense

You laughed hard and easy

At your own expense

Your nose it was noble

Not at all out of place

Such an outstanding schnoz

It was on the right face

If you’re reading this Richard,

This poem so true

Know that our lives won’t

Be the same without you

You were loved by so many

I hope that you knew

With a break in our hearts

We bid you adieu

The book you were reading

When you met your demise

Was a tome on Pearl Harbor

No doubt of some size

And since you departed

Before you were done

I’ll ruin the ending

And tell you we won

Forever and always

Your favorite ex-wife

I’ll be number four

For the rest of my life

I can still hear you say

As I raise you my cup

“If you’re waitin’ on me

You’re backin’ up”

Carol