Council Convener Harvey Johnston pens a poem in remembrance and thanks for the life of HRH Prince Philip

St Magnus (and Orkney) Mourns The Duke of Edinburgh

St. Magnus help the World to mourn
The Commonwealth and more
A man whose life of service touched
Mankind the whole world o’er
Of Danish/Russian/German blood
Yet from Victoria’s tree
Was born a Prince of Greece, but left
An infant refugee.

St. Magnus help a Nation mourn
United Kingdom weep
One half our loyal royal pair
Is now in death asleep.
A no fuss and no-nonsense man
Whose quips could cause displeasure
Excelled on boat or horse or plane
A real national treasure.

St. Magnus help a Country mourn
He who, as title took
Our primal city to his heart
He was of course “our” Duke.
Formative years at Gordonstoun
That made him, he’d revere
He loved Balmoral, wore the kilt
Sought salmon, grouse and deer.

St. Magnus help our Islands mourn
For he who once came here
One glorious twelfth of August day
Way back o’er sixty year.
The Royal couple touched our hearts
And fair enjoyed their stay
In Stronsay, Westray and the Toons
Folk still mind on that day.

St. Magnus help a Service mourn
An officer of class
A Navy man, country and King
Would serve ere war could pass.
Well mentioned in dispatches he
Rose up the ranks at speed
Saw action and took action too
A man so born to lead.

St. Magnus help Young People mourn
You owe him quite a debt
He forged a scheme that though he’s gone
The world will ne’er forget.
His title now synonymous
Wi’ youth’s achievements bold
A “D of E” is worth its weight
In silver, bronze or gold.

St. Magnus help a Family mourn
We feel the Windsor’s grief
They’ve lost Great Grandad, Grandpa, Dad
Their patriarch in chief.
He tried to keep their lives on track
Coached gently from the wings
He’d felt first-hand the sorrows that
A broken marriage brings.

St. Magnus help a Monarch mourn
She will so sore miss him
Her strength and stay, her loyal rock
Liegeman of life and limb.
Together what a double act
Three score years and thirteen
Our heartfelt sympathies we send
And say “God Save the Queen”.

Harvey Johnston, April 2021.