Praise be to Septimus
when his land rights were challenged
and he could not afford
a proper defense,
so he read the law
and represented himself
in the highest court
on Vancouver Island
and, most deservedly, won.
Praise be to Septimus
who read seven books
per week, a new one
every day;
For he’d walk along
the side of the road
to the Parksville Library
for a new installment of
non-fiction.
Praise be to Septimus
for his pleasure in laughter
and his good humor
when the car hit him ―
for he took months to heal
and resume his treks.
Praise him for a little
humor when the same driver
hit him again.
Praise be to Septimus
now and always
for his love of knowledge
and the coping skills
that served him well
all his days.