A photo of Prince Philip. ‘A Tribute to Prince Philip’ by Paul A. Freeman The Society April 24, 2021 Culture, Humor, Poetry 6 Comments . The gaffe-prone Duke of Edinburgh has died, who asked if native Aussies still chucked spears and told some Brits they’d end up slitty-eyed for living in Beijing too many years. Yet what a gap this man of action filled. In World War Two he rode the cruel seas, then Queen’s companion ‘Phil the Greek’ was billed for seven decades, toiling without ease. In cricket and in yachting he excelled, an Albert-and-a-half until he left; this carriage-driving, polo player held the youth in awe—our nation stands bereft. A controversial figure now and then, Prince Philip was a stalwart man of men. . . Paul A. Freeman is the author of Rumours of Ophir, a crime novel which was taught in Zimbabwean high schools and has been translated into German. In addition to having two novels, a children’s book and an 18,000-word narrative poem (Robin Hood and Friar Tuck: Zombie Killers!) commercially published, Paul is the author of hundreds of published short stories, poems and articles. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Trending now: 6 Responses Margaret Coats April 24, 2021 This seems the kind of tribute the gaffe-prone prince would like! I’m glad you include the carriage driving; I consider it his most attractive activity–except maybe outdoor cooking at royal family picnics. Although he did live two and a half times as long as Prince Albert, your poem gives him a fair shake! Reply Paul Freeman April 24, 2021 Thank you, Margaret. That carriage-driving looks like one of the most dangerous past times going. The carriages constantly seemed to be about to overturn, spilling out the participants. No wonder the Queen always looked so pensive when she was spectating. Reply Allegra Silberstein April 24, 2021 Thank you for that lovely tribute ! Reply Paul Freeman April 25, 2021 I’m glad you enjoyed it, Allegra. Reply Jeff Eardley April 25, 2021 Nice one Paul. I enjoyed this. He was certainly a character and we are still talking about him. A friend of mine met him once. The conversation was…… “And what do you do?” “I am a consultant sir” “So, a first-class ticket on the gravy train then?” Kind of sums him up. Reply Paul Freeman April 25, 2021 Thanks, Jeff. And that’s a brilliant anecdote. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Margaret Coats April 24, 2021 This seems the kind of tribute the gaffe-prone prince would like! I’m glad you include the carriage driving; I consider it his most attractive activity–except maybe outdoor cooking at royal family picnics. Although he did live two and a half times as long as Prince Albert, your poem gives him a fair shake! Reply
Paul Freeman April 24, 2021 Thank you, Margaret. That carriage-driving looks like one of the most dangerous past times going. The carriages constantly seemed to be about to overturn, spilling out the participants. No wonder the Queen always looked so pensive when she was spectating. Reply
Jeff Eardley April 25, 2021 Nice one Paul. I enjoyed this. He was certainly a character and we are still talking about him. A friend of mine met him once. The conversation was…… “And what do you do?” “I am a consultant sir” “So, a first-class ticket on the gravy train then?” Kind of sums him up. Reply
