Mr Poźnan

 

Village Leader Ian called in to see Mr Poźnan a week before the flower show. He sold him raffle tickets and asked if he’d enter something from his garden. Mr Poźnan entered his rhubarb even though he’s been unwell for a long time now. 

I saw Mr Poźnan on the morning of The Show.

His eyes are always twinkling and are a watery blue like Auntie Glad’s, 

And he always has a gentle smile on his face, even when his hip pained him, as he walks

His rhubarb, as it turned out, was a winning class, which tickled him and his wife

Before judging, he gently held my elbow and guided me to a quiet corner of the hall.

He was serious and straight to the point

And how I didn’t cry then and there , God only knows

“ I hear your job is under threat ? he whispered with only a hint of accent “ do you need any money?”

I looked at him silently and his blue eyes nodded “ Just say and it’s yours” he added kindly 

I could only smile awkwardly, my lips tight and sensing my emotion , 

He squeezed my elbow and whispered again

“ Your trousers are inside out by the way “ 

And he was right, my trendy linen pants from Madrid were indeed inside out